My Great Great Uncle was Private David Erasmus 14841 who served with A Company 2/4 Bn KOYLI, he was killed in action on 20/11/1917, the first day of the Battle of Cambrai, he is buried in Hermies Hill British Cemetery in Pas-De-Calais, France.

He was born and raised in Gelli, Rhondda. His war record shows he signed up in 1915 at the age of 39 which I believe was the upper limit for volunteers who hadn't previously served.

I have a postcard (transcribed text below) sent to my great grandmother from 2nd Lt Frank Cocker in Feb 1918 enquiring as to his whereabouts, Frank Cocker was injured in the same battle 1 week after David Erasmus on 27/11/1917, in his words he had is hair "parted by a bullet".

In this postcard 2nd Lt Cocker writes that he last saw David Erasmus "rescuing wounded men under very trying conditions". After months of research and help from The Rifles Office Yorkshire & KOYLI Rifles Regimental Association I have discovered that unfortunately David Erasmus never received any recognition for his actions, the only note in the war diary / dispatches for the day noted that he was KIA.

The full transcribed text of the postcard is as follows:

Mrs Erasmus
58 Rees Street
Gelli Ystrad
S.Wales

Please reply to Sec Lieut. F. Cocker
33 Grosvenor Terrace
Brighouse
Yorks.

Feb 11th 1918

Dear Mrs Erasmus,

I write you to make inquiries about your son who was in my platoon in France. When I last saw him he was doing some excellent work, rescuing wounded men under very trying conditions and I have often wondered since whether he came through that day alright. I got my hair parted by a bullet, but am better now & shall soon be going out again. Kindly drop me a line & if he happens to be in hospital I would like his address.

I Am, Yours Faithfully

Frank Cocker
2/4b K.O.Y.L.I
Yours Faithfully
Frank Cocker
2/4b K.O.Y.L.I

Richard Williams