The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

John Jones had been with the Territorials before the Second World War and upon being called up served with the garrison in Gibraltar for some years. He died in February 1944 from an accident in the UK. He was known familiarly as Jack, or Jackie.

The information on John Jones 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).

	John Jones To the left is the grave in St. Cynog's cemetery.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 26th February 1944 :-

YSTRADGYNLAIS SOLDIER KILLED
The sad news was received on Saturday, by Mr. and Mrs. William Jones of 4, Tudor Street, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais, that their son Sapper Jack Jones, R.E. had been killed in an accident somewhere in England. Sapper Jones who was 24, was with the Territorials before the War, and was called up in 1939. He had served in Gibraltar for 3 years and on returning home in August of last year was stationed in various parts of the country. Prior to the war he was employed at the Tirbach Colliery, Ystalyfera. While on the "Rock" Sapper Jones was captain of the Welsh Soccer team in 1941-1942 and in pre-war days played for Ystalyfera Rovers.
The military funeral takes place at 4.oopm on Saturday at Ystradgynlais Parish Churchyard.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 4th March 1944 :-

GLANRHYD MILITARY FUNERAL
Military honours were accorded Sapper John Jones R.E., aged 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Jones 4, Tudor Street, Glanrhyd, whose death in an accident in this country was reported in our last weeks issue. Ystradgynlais Home Guard and Cadets attended in charge of Lieut. T.E.Williams and Lieut. Gladney Davies and the coffin was draped with the Union Jack. At the graveside the Last Post was sounded by Bugler, Ieuan Jones, Ystalyfera.......

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 24th February 1945 :-

ROLL OF HONOUR

JONES - In loving memory of our dear son Jackie (Sapper Jack Jones, RE) who was killed in action Feb 19, 1944.

Mam, Dad, Ken and Bett.
His face is ever before us,
His smile we never forget,
His memory will live for ever
In the hearts that never forget.

Doreen and George.
You left behind some aching hearts
That loved you so sincerely,
That never have and never will
Forget you, brother dear.

Sister Gwen and brother in law Fred.
Not just today but every day remembered.

Iris, Dai and family.
Your toil is o'er, your work is done,
And you are now at rest,
We miss you more and more each day,
But God above, He thought it best,
With no one there to say goodbye,
No one you loved was near,
You left us all with broken hearts
Until we meet again, Jack dear.