The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

David Douglas Evans had been in the Air Training Corps, and was killed in a flying accident whilst training with the RAF in August 1944.

The information on David Douglas Evans has been compiled from a number of sources, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the South Wales Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

	David Douglas Evans To the left is the gravestone in St. Cynog's cemetery.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 2nd September 1944 :-

ABERCRAVE SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION
News was also received by Mr. and Mrs. John Evans of Isyrhos, that their son, Sergeant Douglas Evans, has died in action. He was only 19 and the entire district extends its deepest sympathy to the family in their tragic loss.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 2nd September 1944 :-

CAE'RBONT AIRMAN KILLED
A gloom was cast over the Ystradgynlais district by the news that Sergeant Airgunner David Douglas Evans son of Lieut. John Evans Home Guard and Mrs. Evans of 5, Isyrhos, Cae'rbont had met his death in a flying accident in this country.
Joining the RAF from the ATC he gained rapid promotion and was due to commence training for a commission. He wrote home quite recently that he was looking forward to 6 weeks leave.
The funeral took place at Ystradgynlais parish churchyard on Thursday, and a report will appear in our next issue.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 16th September 1944 :-

YSTRADGYNLAIS MILITARY FUNERAL
The Military funeral of Sergeant Air Gunner David Douglas Evans, son of Lieutenant (Home Guard) and Mrs. John Evans, 5, Isyrhos, Ystradgynlais, whose death in an accident was reported in a recent issue, took place on Thursday, 31st August at Ystradgynlais Churchyard. The ATC and Home Guard, together with Ystalyfera ATC Band attended. Flight Lieutenant C.B.H. Lewis, Pontardawe and P/O C.F. Hunt, Ystalyfera, were also present.

Officiating were the Revs D.L. Williams, rector, and D.O. Jones and T.W. Davies, curates; Madam Carrie Walters-Herbert was the organist.

A firing party was provided by the Home Guard and the Last Post was sounded at the grave. Members of the ATC were the bearers.

The mourners were: Messrs J. Evans, father; Harry and Wyndham Evans, brothers; Flying Officer P. Hearn; Messrs D, Williams, Tom Evans, W.P. Thomas, Wm Williams, Lewis Williams, David Jones, uncles......

At the house were Mrs J. Evans, mother; Betty, Margaret and Gwyneth Evans, sisters; Mrs W.P. Thomas, Mrs H. Evans, aunts......

Floral tributes were from Mam, Dad, Brothers and Sisters; Aunti Hetty, John and Beryl; Uncle Tom and family, Nelson; Bopa, Treharris; David John, Lluest; Auntie Annie and family, Bryn Road; Auntie Mary and family, Pelican; Auntie Jenkins, Phil, Glen and Glan.......

The ATC is the Air Training Corps, otherwise known as the Air Cadets