B
Parcell Rees Bowen
Parcell Rees Bowen was born at Llangain, Carmarthenshire, on 22 July 1893. Having been educated at Carmarthen Grammar School, he enrolled at St David’s College in October 1912. Bowen, whose nickname at the college was ‘Plancio’, played an active role in the sporting life of the college. Having previously played rugby for the Carmarthen Quins he joined the College XV and in 1913 unsuccessfully stood for the position of Rugby Secretary.
C
Reverend John Cawston
John Cawston enrolled at St David’s College in 1844 at the age of twenty, where he had an exceptional academic career. He was winner of the Euclid prize, elected Harford Scholar and in 1846, selected as the college Senior Scholar. In 1847 he was ordained by the Bishop of Llandaff to the curacy of St Paul, Newport, Monmouth. The following year he moved to St Michael and All Angels, Great Torrington, Devon, where he worked until 1853, following which he was appointed as a chaplain in the Royal Navy.
Austin Pugh Cook
Austin Pugh Cook was born in 1893 in Haverfordwest where his parents ran a greengrocers shop from their family home on Bridge Street. Austin was a talented pupil and after a “distinguished scholastic career” he went on to study Classics at St David’s College. Here too he was an industrious student and he was awarded a number of prizes and scholarships throughout his college career.
D
John Charles Edmunds-Davies
John Edmunds-Davies was born in Lampeter in 1893 to Walter and Agnes. He was an only child, his three siblings having died in infancy. Walter was an important local figure who owned the local drapers and in 1911 served as Mayor of Lampeter. John was educated at St David’s College School, Brecon College and Towyn County School. When war broke out John was enrolled at St David’s College.
E
Reverend Ronald Edwards
Ronald Edwards (1914-1995) was involved in the Battle of Monte Cassino as an army chaplain. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Order for his courage in rescuing wounded men.
Reverend Walter Evans
Walter Evans (1916-2007) worked as an army chaplain for almost forty years, serving in North Africa, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Malaya, Singapore, Borneo, Kenya and Oman. Known as ‘Evans above’, he held almost every type of army chaplaincy appointment possible.
J
John Stanley Jenkins
John Stanley Jenkins was born in Paddington, London, in 1896 to Welsh-born parents, Mary and David. Mary died when John was a young boy and with David’ second marriage John gained five siblings. By 1911 ‘Johnny’ was living with relatives in Lampeter. His aunt Elizabeth worked in a ‘fruiterer’s’ business while his Lampeter-born uncle, David, was employed as the ‘College Scout’.
Reverend Thomas Glasfryn Jones
Thomas Glasfryn Jones was born seven miles north of Lampeter in Llangeitho in 1884. The third child of John and Mary Jones, his mother was the daughter of Lewis Davies, a Lampeter carpenter, and his father worked as a stone mason. Thomas attended Tregaron County School before enrolling in St David’s College with an entrance scholarship in 1902.
L
Leonard Glynne Lewis
Leonard Glynne Lewis was born in 1894 in Pontypridd where his parents, Daniel and Edith, managed the town workhouse. The eldest of seven, Leonard went to the local Boys Grammar School before boarding at Christ College Brecon. Leonard. Known as ‘Siwel’ to his friends, enrolled at St David’s College in 1912 when he was awarded a scholarship to follow a Classics degree.
Reverend Brian Lucas
Brian Lucas grew up in Port Talbot, South Wales surrounded by extended family and living in a house which was ‘always full of laughter’. He came to St David’s College in 1959 and fully immersed himself in collegiate life. He joined the Dramatic Society, was elected as college representative to the National Union of Students and became one of the directors of Gownsman Publications, a limited company which administered the college magazine.
M
Charles Herbert Morris
Charles Herbert Morris was born in 1892 in Welshpool, the youngest child of seventeen born to William and Jane Morris. Most of the Morris family worked in the local clothing industry, employed variously as drapers, dressmakers and milliners.
S
Reverend Fred Seaton Smith
Frederick ‘Fred’ Seaton Smith was born in Monkseaton in Northumberland to Frank and Mary Smith. Frank’s occupation is recorded as a coffee plantation owner in the Tutor’s Register. Fred had been a border at St. Peter’s School in York before he enrolled at St David’s College in 1910. A keen sportsman, Fred played for the Cricket 1st XI, the Rugby 2nd XV, and the Hockey Team. He was also Captain of the Tennis Club.
Reverend Thomas James Stretch
Born in 1915, at Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, Thomas James Stretch was educated locally, gaining the offer of a place at Keeble College, Oxford. Unfortunately, a serious eye injury on the cricket field prevented him from accepting the offer and instead, in 1934, he entered St David’s College, where it soon became evident that Oxford’s loss was Lampeter’s gain.
W
Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB, CVO
Peter Wilkinson is a naval officer, who rose to be Deputy Chief of Defence Staff as well as National President of the Royal British Legion.
Brigadier A. P. Williams, OBE
Andrew Williams was brought up in Gloucester before enrolling at St David’s University College in 1980 to read geography. He loved the remoteness of Lampeter. Living in Esgairdawe, he often ran the many miles to and from the College to conduct his studies, a passion that set the tone for the rest of his life. He represented the College at Cross Country running, and captained the 2nd XI Soccer team. Joining the University of Wales Officer Training Corps in his second year, he quickly rose to be a Junior Under Officer, before deciding upon a career in the Army.
