VOYCE- Monmouth Royal Engineers (General)

by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Monday, October 17, 2011, 21:14 (4789 days ago) @ Jefff

"The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers can be traced back to 1539 . In 1877, the Regiment accepted an invitation, as part of the Cardwell Reforms, to become a Special Reserve section of the rapidly developing Royal Engineers, which would allow them to serve overseas, which as a militia unit they were not entitled to do.
During the Great War the regiment formed four Siege Companies, two Railway Companies, two Army Troops Companies, and a Depot Company in Monmouth which recruited and trained new volunteers

76 officers and 2113 men served on the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Middle East, and Italy. 5 DSOs, 8 MCs, 12 DCMs and 16 MMs were awarded to members of the Regiment during the Great War."

And from the Tunnelling link I mentioned earlier

"171st Tunnelling Company
Formed of a small number of specially enlisted miners, with troops selected from the Monmouthshire Siege Company,RE. First employed in March 1915 in the Hill 60/Bluff areas at Ypres. Moved to Ploegsteert in July 1915 and commenced mining operations near St Yves. April 1916 saw a move to the Spanbroekmolen/Douve sector facing the Messines ridge. Forced to move from camp at Boeschepe in April 1918, when the enemy broke through the Lys positions and were then put on duties that included digging and wiring trenches over a long distance from Reninghelst to near St Omer."

It would appear that Rowland was perhaps involved at the infamous Ypres area.

Olwyn, I suggest contacting the Monmouth RE Museum will likely be very worthwhile.