Up to 40% of Welsh soldiers, particularly from the 53rd (Welsh) Division, served in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Despite their significant contributions, these soldiers have not received the same level of commemoration as those who fought on the Western Front.
Historian Nia Griffiths, focusing on the 'Forgotten War', found that a substantial portion of Welsh soldiers listed on war memorials in towns like Llanidloes, Powys, died in regions like Gallipoli, Gaza, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. Griffiths argues that these soldiers' stories deserve equal recognition.
The impact of these losses on rural Welsh communities was profound, often wiping out entire generations in small towns and villages. This pattern was mirrored in other parts of Wales, as noted by Professor Sian Nicholas of Aberystwyth University, who created an interactive map highlighting the diverse locations where Aberystwyth servicemen fought.
Rhys David, a retired journalist from Cardiff, has written about his father Dewi David's experiences in the 'Forgotten War.' Dewi, who fought with the 53rd Division, experienced the harsh conditions of Gallipoli and the challenges of establishing telegraphy and field telephone systems as part of the Royal Engineers.
The focus on the Western Front in popular memory and education overlooks the global scale of World War One. To fully understand the conflict, both academics and educators stress the need to recognize and include the broader, global aspects of the war in teaching and remembrance activities.