The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Oswald Watkins was born in Ystradgynlais and lived in Abercrave. He served with the Welsh Regiment and was killed in action in September 1915.

The information on Oswald Watkins 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, 9th October 1915

Unofficial news came to hand during the week that Private Oswald Watkins, son of Mr. Morgan Watkins Caer'bont, had been wounded in action in France and had succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Private Watkins was in one of the Welsh Regiments. He was formerly employed at the International Colliery and was well known in the locality.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 14th October 1916 :-

LATE PTE OSWALD WATKINS
Mr. Morgan Watkins Caerbont Abercrave, has received intimation from the War Office, that his son Pte. Oswald Watkins of the Welsh Regiment, who was reported missing on September 26th 1915, was either killed on or after that date. Pte. Watkins was very popular in the district and prior to going into the Army worked at the Gwaunclawdd Colliery.

Private Edwyn Watkins, another son, who is with the South Wales Pioneers in India, also writes home, and says he has met a son of Mr. John Morgan, "Creunantydd" Crynant in India. He ends his letter with a Welsh Verse.

Oswald Watkins 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.