David Melvyn Rees
This is the memorial page for David Melvyn Rees, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.
The information on David Melvyn Rees comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | David Melvyn Rees |
| Date of Death | 12th April 1917 |
| Place of Death | Died of wounds |
| Age at Death | 21 |
| Unit and Regiment | Durham Light Infantry; 2nd Battalion |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Service Number | |
| Personal Information | Born Newport Monmouthshire 1896. Only son of Rev. John Solon Rees (Congregational Minister Born 1866) formerly of Ystalyfera, Swansea now residing at 18 Princes Street, Bishop Auckland Co. Durham and Eliza Ann REES (Born Monmouthshire 1870). |
| Cemetery | CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY - FRANCE; V.A.1. |
| Local Memorials | Not on Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | |
| Known Brothers | Another |
| Known Sisters | Elsie REES (Born Monmouthshire 1895) |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 21st April 1917 :-
YSTALYFERA MAN’S DEATH IN ACTION
On the 12th inst., there died of wounds, received in the fighting on Easter Monday in the Arras area, Second-Lieutenant David Melvyn Rees, son of a former Ystalyfera resident, the Rev. J. Solon Rees, who, as old residents will be aware, was the son of the late John Rees, for many years roll turner at the Gurnos Tinplate Works, and later at Hendy. The deceased young officer was a brilliant student of the London University, and later at Sandhurst Military College won many distinctions.