The memory of a young Welsh soldier, David Cuthbert Thomas, whose life was tragically cut short during the First World War, continues to live on more than a century later. Born in Pontarddulais, Glamorgan, Thomas was only 20 years old when he was fatally shot by a sniper near Fricourt at the Somme on March 18, 1916. Despite his youth, his legacy has been immortalised in the works of renowned war poets Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves, who were close friends of Thomas.
Thomas, educated at Christ College in Brecon, served as a second lieutenant in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He crossed paths with Sassoon and Graves within the regiment and went on to lead a working party in repairing barbed wire lines on the Western Front, where he met his tragic end. The poignant accounts of Thomas’ death and his friendship with the poets are captured in some of their most revered poems, including Graves’ “Not Dead” and Sassoon’s “Enemies”.
Graves and Sassoon, deeply affected by Thomas’ passing, dedicated heartfelt verses to honour his memory. Thomas’ presence in their lives is also documented in their autobiographies, with Graves reflecting on the profound impact of Thomas’ death on him personally. Nearly a century after his demise, lost photos of Thomas were rediscovered by Christ College in 2014, shedding light on his carefree days before the war engulfed his existence.
Through the lens of poetry, Thomas emerges not just as a casualty of war, but as a cherished comrade and spirited individual whose essence transcends time. Sassoon’s depiction of Thomas as a cricketer in the poem “A Subaltern” offers a glimpse into his vivacious character, reminding us of the vibrant soul lost to the ravages of conflict. The lasting bond between Thomas, Sassoon, and Graves serves as a poignant testament to the enduring power of friendship in the face of adversity.
David Cuthbert Thomas’ story stands as a poignant reminder of the countless young lives sacrificed during the First World War and the profound impact of their loss on those who knew them. In the annals of war poetry, his name resonates as a symbol of resilience and camaraderie amidst the brutality of battle. As we commemorate the centenary of his passing, we pay tribute to a spirited soul whose memory lives on through the timeless verses of his honoured friends.