213342 Cpl. Paul Alfred Bence MM.British Army 95th Field Company Royal Engineers from:33 Upper Gynor Tce. Ynyshir, Rhondda (d.6th May 1917) Paul Alfred Bence, Cpl. 45357 R.E. (95th Field Co.) Entered France 25.5.15. He was killed in Action on the 6th May 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras memorial to the Missing.
Paul Bence was born in Twerton, Bath in 1886, the son of Walter and Ellen Bence a stonemason. In the early years of the 20th Century Paul moved to the Rhondda like many others in search of work in the newly developing coalfield. In 1910 he married Bertha Louisa……… and by 1911 was living at 33 Upper Gynor Terrace in Ynyshir. His occupation was given as a Coal Rider (underground). At the time of his death he was described as a Banksman at the National Colliery.
He was the fifth man from Ynyshir to win the Military Medal which was described in a newspaper report of January 1917 (20th). He won his MM during the battle of the Somme while a L.Cpl.. Unfortunately he was killed by a shell on May 6th 1917, during the battle of Bullecourt. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
During 1916 the 95th Field Company was attached to the 7th Division and was heavily involved during the battle of the Somme, Albert, Bazentin, Delville Wood, Pozieres, Guillemont, and Ginchy.
His wife received a letter from his C.O. which was quoted in the Rhondda leader. She was then living at 53 William St. Ynyshir.
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