Extracts from Harley (Tony) Simpson's (grandson of James Morris) family history now held at Brecon Museum 

Sapper James Morris.     British Army 257 Tunnelling Coy Royal Engineers   from Five Rows, Sirhowy, Tredegar Mon  (D. 8th Aug 1916)

Sapper James Morris was a miner at the Sirhowy Pit when he enlisted with the Royal Engineers and was posted to Flanders with 257 Tunnelling Co. He was killed on 8th August 1916 by a sniper. I have 4 trench letters, witness statement by Commanding officer Capt. Stanley La mare, Padre's letter and War office notification. James was 43 and the father of 6 children. His widow and family were forced to leave their miner's cottage and return to Brecon Mid Wales where they had met and married. James had previously served with the South Wales Borderers for 12 years, 6yrs abroad. 

Sapper James Morris is my grandfather and was a member of the 257 Tunnelling Co. According to his CO Capt. Stanley de la Mere he died on 8th August 1916 while attending to a crater in no man's land.

He was unusual in that being age 43 he had no need to re-enlist due to his age and his reserved occupation. He left a widow, Florence with six children. The family were reduced to poverty and lost their mining cottage and had to return to her family in Brecon. Florence and my mother became anti-war as I am. James had been a professional soldier with 24 SWB from 1894-1906. He was a miner until 1916 when he re-enlisted with his brother Jo who went to SWB. James is buried at Pont du Hem cemetery near La Gorgues, Armentiere which I have visited. I have 4 letters from the trenches, COs letter, Chaplain's letter, cap badge and other artefacts including a notebook of Flo's visit to his graveside in 1922.

Kerry Hastings