Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Cyril Gordon Jenkins, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the Second World War. As shown on the memorial originally in Godrergraig Chapel he was generally known as Gordon Jenkins.

The information on Cyril Gordon Jenkins comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 1st September 1942 :-

FAMILY'S BEREAVEMENTS
An Ystradgynlais family that has been sorely stricken in the last 20 months is that of Mr and Mrs Horace Rowe of 5, Station Road. They have just been notified by the War Office that their second son, Lorraine, has been missing in the Middle East, since 20th June. He was a driver in a tank regiment, and, before enlisting two years ago, was a clerk in a London bank. The eldest son, Harkless, was in the merchant service, and 20 months ago his nephew, and grandson of Mr and Mrs Rowe, Cyril Gordon, the 19 year old son of Mr and Mrs William Jenkins of 165, Graig Road, Godre'rgraig, joined his uncle on the same vessel, which proceeded to Canada. The last communication received from both was from Halifax, Nova Scotia, since which nothing has been heard of the vessel of any of its crew. Before going to sea, Cyril had been a very promising pupil at Pontardawe Technical School.

MV Kolchis was sunk by U-123 on 22 November 1940, as one of 6 ships torpedoed by this U-boat that day.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 6th January 1945 :-

ROLL OF HONOUR
JENKINS:- In loving memory of our darling son lost at sea, Cyril Gordon Jenkins, son of Mr and Mrs William Jenkins, 165 Graig Road, Godre'rgraig.

Many a lovely heartache, many a silent tear,
But always a beautiful memory of a son we loved so dear.
God give us strength to bear it and courage to fight the blow,
But what it meant to lose him no one will ever know.

Always in the thoughts of his Mam, Dad, Sister Mavis

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 2nd September 1946 came the information on the death of Hilda Annie Jenkins, the mother of Cyril Gordon Jenkins :-

FUNERAL OF MRS HILDA ANNIE JENKINS
The funeral of Mrs Hilda Annie Jenkins 165 Graig Road Godre'rgraig took place on Wednesday of last week at Godre'rgraig Cemetery.
The principal mourners were: Messrs William Jenkins husband; Horace Rowe father; Harold, Will, Lorraine brothers; Sam, Phillip, Griffith John, Sam brothers in law; Cyril Francis cousin; Mr William Davies Ochrywaun, Horace and Douglas Rowe, Elfed Evans, Marcel and Emyr nephews.
At the house were: Mavis Jenkins daughter; Annie Rowe mother; Trixie, Kathleen sisters; Nellie, Tilly, Ceinwen, Cicely, Lizzie sisters in law.

Godre'rgraig Cemetery - Section 1C Row13 Grave 11 Jenkins
The grave of William Morgan and Hilda Jenkins