Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Albert Thomas, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the Second World War. Thank you to a family member for providing a photograph of Albert.

The information on Albert Thomas comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives). Additional information on R.A.F. aircrew, thanks to Andy Ingham.

From the South Wales Voice, 30th December 1944:-

YSTALYFERA AIRMANS DEATH
It is with deep regret we announce the death in a flying accident of Sergeant-navigator Albert Thomas, RAF son of Mrs. Gwen Thomas 18, Clare Road, Ystalyfera and the late Mr. John Thomas. Official notification was received on Christmas morning and the tragic news has aroused a wave of sympathy for the bereaved mother, who, in the short space of 6 weeks has lost husband and son.

Albert was of a modest and amiable disposition, which made him liked by all with whom he came into contact and his untimely death will be greatly regretted.

He was a faithful member of Jerusalem Chapel and was educated at the Wern and Ystalyfera County Schools. Previous to joining the RAF, three years ago, he was on the clerical staff of a Swansea firm. He received his training in South Africa and since his return had been on many operational flights.

The funeral is on Saturday at 4pm. for burial at Alltygrug Cemetery, Ystalyfera.

He was killed whilst flying as Navigator in Lancaster III, PB366 TL-S of No 35 Sqn. The aircraft took off at 1535 from Graveley on a raid to Köln. Shortly after take off the aircraft flew into trees and crashed at Paxton. All seven crew were killed in the crash.

With Albert Thomas on the aircraft he was killed upon, were the following crew members, all of whom lost their lives:-

From the South Wales Voice of 12th July 1947 we learn about the unveiling of a memorial tablet to Flight Sergeant Albert Thomas, member of the church, who was killed in action in 1944:-

MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED AT JERUSALEM

Last Sunday was memorable in the history of Jerusalem Chapel Ystalyfera.
During the morning service members of the church who had served with the Forces during the war, were officially welcomed home and presented with copies of "Y Ddolen"
Particular mention was made of Mr W D Thomas, who has just been demobbed after service in Singapore and Mr Islwyn Evans, who is on leave from Palestine.
The service coincided with the National Day of Prayer and special prayers were offered by the pastor.
The evening service was a memorial service in memory of the late F⁄Sgt Albert Thomas, son of the late Mr John Thomas and Mrs Gwen Thomas, 18 Clare Road Ystalyfera, who lost his life on 24th December 1944. Special hymns were sung and an appropriate sermon was delivered to a large congregation by the pastor, Rev D R Beynon.
After the sermon a tablet erected by members of the Sisterhood and the ex-Service men and women of Jerusalem, was unveiled by Mrs Gwen Thomas, who was accompanied by Mr Idris Thomas and Mr W D Thomas.
This was followed by a Communion Service. Both services left a deep impression on the congregation and will long be remembered by all present.

Information on Albert Thomas' parents comes from the Llais, which shows that while his mother Gwen was later buried with Albert in Alltygrug, his father, John, who predeceased them was buried in Gibea, Brynamman, where he had originated from.

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 18th November 1944:-

Obituary Mr John Thomas

We regret to report the death of Mr John Thomas, 18 Clare Road, which took place on Friday of last week at the age of 68 years. He was a native of Brynamman and came to Ystalyfera 40 years ago as a fireman on the old Midland Railway, at Gurnos Locomotive Sheds, and of late yers had been employed as loco driver at the Tirbach Colliery. He had been a faithful member of Jerusalem Chapel and had been a deacon for years. He was of a quiet and reserved nature and was highly respected. He leaves a widow and three sons to mourn, all three of whom are serving in the forces. The eldest, Sergeant Idris Thomas is now with the B.L.A. in Holland and was unable to be present.

The funeral was on Wednesday, burial being at Gibea cemetery, Brynamman, the Reverends D R Beynon, Jerusalem, E T Evans, Wern, Ifor Jones, Soar, E J Davies, Bethania, and J T Lloyd, Moriah, Brynamman [officiating].

Mourners were: Sergeant Albert Thomas, R.A.F., Signalman W.D. Thomas, sons, David Griddiths, John Jones, brothers-in-law; David J Thomas, David A Thomas, John Morgan, Kerry Edwards, Evan Jones, Robert Evans, Ben Mallows, Royston Mallows, David Evans, M Rees, William Jones, Tom and David Jones, T Ellis, and Lyn Dauncey, T Watkins, Johnny Jones, Joseph Davies.

At the house: Mrs Gwen Thomas, widow; Mrs Eliz Evans, Mrs B Thomas, Mrs Eliz Jones, Mrs Edith Mallows, Mrs Hannah Jones, sisters and sisters-in-law...