Thomas John Rees didn't have to volunteer but he did. He was a dairy farmer and was only 5 foot tall. He volunteered in 1915 and joined the 14th Battalion Gloucesterhire regiment, even though he was born and lived in Pembrokeshire. His height must have precluded him from signing up with his friends in 1914 to a more local regiment. He must have been very comitted and after that disappointment continued to wish to serve. He must have travelled from Pembrokeshire to Bristol on his own steam to volunteer with the 14th Gloucesters.  The 14th Batt Glos was a 'bantam' battalion who accepted volunteers under the normal height limitations. He trained with his other 'battling bantams' and went to France in 1916 and served in the front line from then until he died of his wounds in a casualty clearing station just outside Amiens on 3rd April 1918. His records were lost during WW2. The war diaries of the 14th Battalion Glos regiment show they served in many famous battles from the first battle of the Somme until the end of the war. I think that Tommy died during the German Spring offensive of 1918. His battalion had been moved to the area directly in line of this offensive for a 'rest' . I have two photos of Tommy. I placed a poppy for him at the cenotaph in 2014. He was the only son of his farming family and they were obviously devastated at his loss. He is buried in Namp-au-Vals British Cemetary near Amiens. His image remains on my mother's wall and I am so proud of him. He is my great-great uncle and his short life ended at the age of 21. Many gave something, but some gave all. Tommy was one. RIP my brave battling bantam.

then 

Andy Jones