The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Hopkin Morgan had been a grocer's assistant before starting his military training. He became ill during training and was discharged, and died at his home in January 1918. He became ill during training in Norfolk, as a result of exposure during training and was hospitalised at Norwich before being discharged from the army as unfit on 25 July 1917 after being diagnosed as suffering from pericarditis.
He returned home to Abercrave where he died on 16 January 1918, aged 24. He was buried in Ty Ny Coed Congregational Chapelyard, Abercrave. Hopkin is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The information on Hopkin Morgan has been compiled from a number of sources, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 12th May 1917:-

IN HOSPITAL
We regret to learn that Private Hopkin Morgan of the Army Service Corps, son of Mr and Mrs William Morgan Danygraig is lying ill in hospital in Norwich. His friends wish him a speedy recovery.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 13th October 1918:-

We are glad to learn that Mr Hopkin Morgan, son of Mr and Mrs Morgan Danygraig, who had been discharged from the army and is confined to his room, is making slow but satisfactory progress towards recovery.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 26th January 1918 :-

Page 5
It is with deep regret we record this week the death of Mr. Hopkin Morgan, second son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morgan, Danygraig, which took place at his home on Wednesday night of last week after many months patient suffering. Deceased who was 24 years of age was a very popular young man. In January of last year he was called up to join the forces, but he had not been many weeks in training before he was taken ill and was conveyed home. Soon afterwards he was discharged, as his condition was not improving. Prior to this he was employed as a grocer’s assistant with Mr. David Watkins, Caerlan. He was also a faithful member of Bethlehem Congregational Chapel.

Amid deep manifestations of sorrow, the remains were interred at Tynycoed Churchyard on Monday afternoon, the funeral being the largest seen in the district for some time. Revs. Lewis Jones and l. Lloyd officiated. The chief mourners were:
Mr. and Mrs. William Morgan (father and mother); Misses Rachel and Agnes Morgan (sisters); Messrs. Rees, John, Alec Morgan (brothers); Mr. and Mrs. Edward Morgan (brother and sister in law); Mr. and Mrs. David Richards (sister and brother in law); Miss Rachel Williams (aunt).

Floral tributes were sent from:
Brothers and sisters; Mr. and Mrs. David Watkins (uncle and Aunt); Lizzie, Bethlehem Sunday School, his intimate friends.

Hopkin Morgan was one of the fallen of the First World War, mentioned in the Llais (27th September 1919) to be included on the Proposed War Memorial List for Abercrave.