Cyril Jenkins
This is the memorial page for Thomas Alban Cyril Jenkins, native of Ystalyfera, who died in an accident whilst on active service during the Second World War.
The information on Cyril Jenkins comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | (Thomas Alban) Cyril Jenkins |
| Date of Death | 5th August 1945 |
| Place of Death | Near Lydda, Palestine |
| Age at Death | 23 |
| Unit and Regiment | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; 86 Sqdn. |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service Number | 1424167 |
| Personal Information | Son of John Haydn Jenkins (born Glamorgan 1886, died 6th June 1945) and Margaret Ann Jenkins nee Williams (born c1886, died 23rd September 1933) of 8, New Street, Godre’rgraig. |
| Cemetery | Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel; 7. B. 17. |
| Memorial | |
| Remembrance Grave | Pantteg Chapel yard. Row 21 Grave No. 4 – Pantteg Grave inscription: Fell in Palestine. |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial Marble Plaque in Pantteg Chapel, Pantteg. |
| Known Brothers | |
| Known Sisters |
Elsie married William John Williams (he died 1958) Name Unknown married (Major) Frank Manning (H J Manning) |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 14th February 1942 :-
Another local boy who has recently joined the RAF is Mr Cyril Jenkins, son of Mr J Jenkins 8 New St Godre’rgraig. Cyril was on the staff of the head post office in Neath and we understand that he has volunteered for flying duties. His many friends will join with us in wishing him well in his new calling.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 22nd April 1944 :-
HOME ON LEAVE
Among local lads home on leave this week are Sergeant Cyril Jenkins, only son of Mr. Johnny Jenkins, Church Road……………….
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 8th September 1945 :-
GODRERGRAIG SERGEANT'S SACRIFICE
News has been received of the sad death of Sergeant Cyril Jenkins, only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Jenkins, New Street, Godre’rgraig. He joined the RAF in December 1940 and served in many parts of the world, including Canada, South America and the Bahamas and was recently attached to Transport Command on service to and from India.
During a return flight from India, Sergeant Jenkins landed in Palestine and together with a number of friends he went for a bathe near Lydda. One of the company got into difficulties and Cyril immediately went to his friends’ aid and attempted a rescue. Unfortunately the task proved too much for him and his brave action resulted in the loss of his own life.
Such selfless conduct was characteristic of Cyril and his fellow members of the RAF paid their tribute by saying that his loyalty and devotion to his fellowman had won for him the love and respect of all throughout the years.
He was 22 years of age and is survived by two sisters, Mrs. William J. Williams, New Street, Godre’rgraig and Mrs. H.J. Manning, North Wales. Prior to joining the RAF he served on the staff of the GPO Neath. We extend deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends in their sad loss.
The local Llais newspaper also contains information as to the deaths of Cyril's parents, his mother in 1933, and his father in June 1945, shortly before his own death:-
From the South Wales Voice, Saturday 30th September 1933:-
GODRE’RGRAIG LADY DIES IN HOSPITAL
The death occurred at the Swansea Hospital on Saturday night of Mrs Margaret Ann Jenkins wife of Mr Johnny Jenkins 4 New Street Godre’rgraig. The deceased lady was 48 years of age and was taken to hospital on Saturday afternoon. She was in her usual spirit and seemed quite well when a husband and relatives who accompanied her, left the institution. The news of her death that night was conveyed in the telephone message and came as a great shock to the family. Mrs Jenkins was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Williams Church Road and had lived in Gwauncaegurwen for 16 years, returning to Godre’rgraig six years ago. She was a member of Pantteg Chapel, Sunday school and choir. The sympathy of the district is extended to the husband, son and two daughters. One of her daughters is Mrs Elsie Jenkins ALCM.
The funeral took place on Thursday, burial being at Pantteg Graveyard.
From the South Wales Voice Saturday 16th June 1945:-
OBITUARY: MR J H JENKINS
We regret to report the death of Mr John Haydn Jenkins 8 New Street Godre’rgraig, which took place on Wednesday of last week. He was 58 years of age. Deceased was a native of Ystalyfera and a member of Pantteg Chapel and up to three years ago, when ill health caused him to give up his work, was employed as colliery fireman at the Pwllbach Colliery.
The funeral was on Saturday burial being at Pantteg graveyard.
Mourners: Cyril Jenkins son; Trevor Jenkins brother; Clifford Evans step son; W J Williams son in law; Major Frank Manning son in law; Caleb Rees, Rees Williams, Sam Williams brothers in law;..........
At the house: Mrs Rachel Mary Jenkins widow; Mrs W J Williams and Mrs Frank Manning daughters; Mrs Hannah Jane Rees and Mrs Caleb Rees sisters...............