Bryn (Brindley) Powell of Morriston, Swansea, served in the Territorial Forces with the Glamorgan Yeomanry from 1912 onwards. With the outbreak of the First World War the Glamorgan Yeomanry became part of the South Wales Mounted Brigade and later, became part of the Welsh Regiment. During the war, Bryn Powell served in France and the Middle East, probably in battles such as the Battles of Gaza and of Beersheba and Epehy during the latter part of 1917. Jerusalem was captured on 9 December 1917 by British troops.