Gwilym David Griffiths was born and lived in Denbighshire, he enlisted in The Monmouthshire Regiment and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Griffiths successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 150B from 24 January to 8 February 1945. His course report stated “Above average, capable, confident worker”. He was posted to 13th (2/4th Battalion the South Lancashire Regiment) Bn., the Parachute Regiment, and took part in Operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Pte Griffiths was killed in action on 3 April 1945, aged 23, whilst taking part in the Rhine Crossing during operation Varsity and was given a field burial at Hellern, Germany and was re-interred to Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, on 23 May 1947.