David Harris born Swansea. Originally joined the Welsh Regiment as private, Service No. 17301, then as Sapper in the Royal Engineers, 255th Tunnelling Company, No. 3 section, Service No. 147880. Died 23rd December 1916 France & Flanders and buried in Fosse No.10 communal cemetery extension, Sains En Gohelle.*, 1, 2 & 3
“RECEPTION TO FFORESTFACH II SOLDIERS.
A public reception was held at Calfaria, Ravenhill, to two local heroes in the per- sons of Capt. Glyndwr L. Andrews, Royal, Welsh Fusiliers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Andrews, Rhos, Fforestfach, and Sapper David Harris, R.E., both of whom are home from the front for a short leave. There was a crowded attendance, and in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Trevor Evans, Melbourne-buildings, Swansea, the chair was taken by Sgt. Major J. Davies, Recruiting Office, Swansea. Thanks to the efforts of the Reception Commitee an excellent programme was gone through. Mr. J. Davies, Bleak House, addressed the meeting, and the Rev. J. W. Jones (Vicar of Cockett), moved a vote of condolence with the relatives of Sergt. Reggie Jones, R.W.F., and Corpl. Philip Stanley Edwards, who fell in action on the Somme. On behalf of the Reception Committee and local inhabitants, Mr. Tom Jones, Commerce House, presented the heroes with Bibles, suitably inscribed, and handed wallets to representatives of 14 local lads with the colours.”4
"DIED DANCING.
Tragic End of a Fforestfach Soldier.
Mrs. Harris, Davies row, Fforestfach, widow of Sapper David Harris, R.E., has received the following letter from Capt. S. Shepherd, the O.C.: “I am sorry to have to tell you that your husband died on the night of the 23rd ult. He was singing and dancing around the hut, and suddenly fell dead. I saw him myself a few minutes afterwards, and death must have been instantaneous “He was a splendid man, and always was the life and soul of the section. Everyone was very fond of him. We buried him on Christmas Day, and put two very nice wreaths on his grave. Please accept the sincerest sympathy of officers and men of No. 3 Section, in your great loss.”5
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MEDALS: Victory, British & Star.6