The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Malcolm Watkins died of wounds received in the Normandy Campaign during World War Two, and is remembered on a memorial plaque in Bryn Seion Chapel, Abercrave.

The information on Malcolm Watkins 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).

Below is an article from the South Wales Voice newspaper, dated 2nd September 1944, confirming the death from wounds of Private Malcolm Watkins.

ABERCRAVE SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION

Tragic news was once more received in Abercrave last week, when Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Watkins, Gorffwysfan, were informed that their youngest son, Pte. Malcolm Watkins had died of wounds on 14th August in Normandy. Two of his brothers are also serving with the Forces.

From the South Wales Voice 30th September 1944 came news of a memorial service to Malcolm Watkins held at Bryn Seion Chapel, Abercrave:-

ABERCRAVE MEMORIAL SERVICE

An impressive memorial service to Private Malcolm Watkins youngest son of Mr and Mrs WG Watkins Gorphwys Abercrave, who was killed in France on 14th August, was held at Bryn Seion Abercrave on Sunday evening 17th September. There was a large gathering of sympathisers. The Rev E T Owen Cwmgwrach delivered an address on Jeremiah 50:22 "A sound of battle is in the land and of great destruction". He referred to the faithful service which Malcolm, although only in the prime of life, given to the cause at Bryn Seion.

It could be truly said that the chapel was his spiritual home, his faithfulness at each service could always be depended upon and this noble quality and general testimony from the diaconte and members. This same quality was also true in the activities of the Sunday school and during the last 12 months he was at home he was present each Sunday with the exception of one, when illness prevented his attendance. He also took a keen interest in the children's service, having served as its president, and these duties are carried out with earnestness and zeal. His love for music was also pronounced for the "Ysgol Gan" was a great attraction to him and his family and intimates would always hear the strains of "Fy nghartref sydd, nawr yn y nef".

Outside his church activities, he studied a great deal of the Welsh language and in his untimely passing the language has lost one of its most faithful adherents.

Also from the South Wales Voice 30th September 1944:-

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Touching references were made by the Rev E T Owen Cwmgwrach, at a memorial service at Bryn Seion on Sunday evening of last week for the three young members were made the supreme sacrifice:
A/C John Price Morgan
A/B Vivian Hart
Private Malcolm Watkins