Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Daniel Thomas, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.

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

From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 15th March 1916 :-

Private Daniel Thomas of the 2/1st Brecknocks Battalion S W B who died in camp on Thursday last, is the son of Mr and Mrs J Thomas 53 Wern Road Ystalyfera. He has been with this Battalion for over 15 months. The body is to be brought home and will be buried with full military honours at HOLY TRINITY CHURCH on Thursday.

Please Note that the article above which has been reproduced from a newspaper of the time has got the cemetery wrong. As can be seen from the photograph of his gravestone, below, he was buried at Beulah, Cwmtwrch.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 18th March 1916 :-

On Sunday last, Mr and Mrs John Thomas near Wern Fawr, received the sad news that their son Private Daniel Thomas of the 3/1st Brecknocks, stationed at Bedford had died suddenly in hospital. It transpired later that the deceased had taken part in a route march of about 15 miles on the preceding day and it can only be surmised that the fatigue of this march found an unexpected weak spot in his constitution.

Deceased, who was 33 years of age, was engaged as a haulier at Tirbach Colliery, previous to joining the Army 16 months ago and expected to leave for foreign service at an early date.

From the hospital to the station at Bedford, the remains were accorded full military honours, the body being conveyed on a gun carriage and two beautiful wreaths were sent, one by the officers and one by the men. The body arrived at Ystalyfera on Wednesday noon and the interment took place at Beulah Cemetery Cwmtwrch on Thursday.

The funeral was a very large and impressive one, and was headed by a firing party from the 6th Welsh stationed at Sketty, who marched with rifles reversed. Following, came members of the Ystalyfera Bands, who played the "Dead March" along the route to the graveside. The funeral services were conducted at the house by the Rev W. Jones, Zoar, at the graveside by the Revs W T Hughes and D Lewis, Caersalem. Other ministers present were Revs. R. G. James, D. W. Stephens, and J Secundus Jones. The coffin was covered by the Union Jack, and a number of beautiful wreaths, two of which, as stated, were sent by the officers and men of the deceased's regiment.

From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 17th March 1916:-

The Funeral took place on Thursday of Private Daniel Thomas of the 2/1st Brecknock Battalion S W B who died on Saturday. The body had been brought to deceased's home - 53 Wern Road on Wednesday. The cortege was headed by a squad of the 51st Provisional Battalion and the Ystalyfera Town Band, under the conductorship pf Mr Evan J Evans. The funeral was attended by a large crowd of sympathisers, including the Ystalyfera Salvation Army, with whom the deceased was connected. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack. The burial took place at Beulah Cemetery Lower Cwmtwrch, the Rev W T Hughes and Rev W Jones (Zoar) officiating. The Last Post was sounded and the firing party paid their last mark of respect.

The gravestone of Daniel Thomas at Beulah Cemetery, Cwmtwrch.
ALSO BURIED HERE:
Father John Daniel THOMAS died 12/06/1929 aged 69

Photograph of Daniel Thomas from The Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 15th June 1929 came news of the death of John Thomas, the father of Daniel Thomas:-

WERN ROAD DEATH

The residents of Wern Road and district were deeply shocked and grieved on Wednesday when it became known that Mr John Thomas had suddenly passed away at the age of 69. Mr Thomas who was an engineer at the Ynyscedwyn Tin Plate Works had been employed there for many years and was held in high esteem by both management and colleagues. He continued at his work until a fortnight ago and was preparing together with his wife, to go on their annual summer holiday and had visited Swansea as late as Saturday last. He was a staunch and faithful member of Soar Chapel and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends.

He leaves a widow and five children to mourn.

The funeral takes place on Saturday, burial being at Beulah Cemetery Cwmtwrch.

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 22nd June 1929 came the report on the funeral of John Thomas, the father of Daniel Thomas:-

The funeral of the late Mr John Thomas Wern Road, whose sudden death we reported last week, took place on Saturday last the burial being at Beulah Cemetery Cwmtwrch. His colleagues from the Ynyscedwyn Tin Plate Works were present in large numbers, whilst six of their number acted as bearers.

The chief mourners were: Mrs Mary Thomas widow; Mr Lewis Thomas, Mr and Mrs David Thomas, Mr and Mrs William John Jones, Mr Johnny Jones, Mr W Thomas Talgarth sons and daughters in law; Messrs John Thomas, David Thomas, Talfryn; Daniel W Jones, Maggie Jane, Mary Annie, Betty Jones, Rosa and Gladys Thomas grand children; Mr and Mrs Benjamin Thomas brother and sister in law; Mr Edward Lewis and Mr Rees Morgan brothers-in-law; Mrs Daniel Thomas Pontardawe; Mr David Thomas Gurnos; Mrs William Thomas Pwllbach sisters in law.