Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Arthur Jenkins, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War. It would appear that he generally went by the name of Meredith, his middle name.

The information on Arthur Jenkins comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

	Arthur Jenkins To the left is the memorial in the name of Meredith Jenkins in Jerusalem Chapel, Ystalyfera

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 21st September 1918:-

The Rev D W Stephens conducted a memorial service on Sunday evening last at Jerusalem (Chapel Ystalyfera) in memory of Private Meredith Jenkins of the Canadians, son of Mr and Mrs Jenkins Gilfachyrhaidd, who was recently killed in action. Mr Stephens preached an able sermon and the orchestra played the "Dead March" under the conductorship of Mr David Rees. Private Jenkins brother, Seaman Emrys Jenkins, is with the Navy, whilst a sister is with the WAAC

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 1920:-

JENKINS In loving memory of Private Meredith Jenkins 22nd Bn. D.L.I. Killed in action near Soissons France May 28th 1918.
Ever remembered by brother Emrys

"He went forth brilliant, kind and brave
Under his Country's triumphing flag he fell
Beneath a foreign sky in a soldiers grave
He lies, dear brother farewell.

REF Swansea Archive D/DZ 249/1
Emrys the brother of Arthur Meredith, was born at Woodstock, Pembrokeshire. He came with his parents Arthur & Elizabeth (nee Griffiths of Ambleston) about 1910 to live at Penlacn Fach & Gilfach yr Haidd farms in Ystalyfera. He entered works at Tirbach. After his service in the Navy he returned to Tirbach. Emrys married Sarah Elizabeth Richards in 1921 in Ystalyfera and they had 3 children. His brother was killed near Ypres in 1918.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 2nd June 1928:-

DEATH OF LOCAL FARMER

We regret to record the death of Mr Arthur Jenkins, Gilfach yr Haidd Farm, which took place at Swansea Hospital on Friday, following an operation. Mr Jenkins, who was a brother of Mrs D W Davies Ty Coch, was a native of Letterson Pembroke. He came to this district about 12 years ago when he took up residence at the Penlanfach Farm, later removing to Gilfach yr Haidd. Mr Jenkins had earned the respect of the inhabitants and enjoyed a large circle of friends, by whom he will be greatly missed. The funeral on Tuesday was a large one, burial being at Godre'rgraig Cemetery.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 8th August 1936:-

VIMY RIDGE PILGRIM
MR TOM JENKINS AT YSTALYFERA

Mr Tom Jenkins, son of Mrs and the late Mr Arthur Jenkins, Gilfach yr Haidd Farm Ystalyfera, is on a visit to his home after spending 22 years in Canada. Workmen at the Gilwen Colliery will remember the time he was there, prior to his emigration just before the war.
When war broke out, he joined the Colours with the Canadians and fortunately, came out of the encounter without a scratch.
The late Mr Meredith Jenkins, another member of this family, who gave all their boys to the country, was killed in France but Mr Emrys Jenkins ME, the other brother served in the Navy and is now an official at the Tirbach Colliery Ystalyfera.
The circumstances in which Mr Jenkins revisits his old home are particularly interested to local readers at this time. It will be remembered that last Sunday week Memorial was unveiled by the king at Vimy Ridge to commemorate those Canadians who had fallen during the Great War.
Mr Jenkins was one of the Canadian pilgrims who came over from Canada to take part in the ceremony.
He then proceeded to Ystalyfera where he is expected to remain frequent time before returning to resume his duties as manager of a large distributive store in Winnipeg.