Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Handel Jones, native of Ystalyfera, who died as the result of being gassed during the First World War.

The information on Handel Jones 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 Labour Voice newspaper, 29th November 1919 :-

It is with deep regret that we report the death of a popular young man in the person of Mr Handel Jones, printer, formerly of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers which took place on Wednesday last. Deceased was the son of Mt Thomas Jones, Glyn Road and formerly of Ystalyfera. He was only 26 years of age and the cause of his death was the effect of being gassed whilst on service in France. He was the treasurer of the Brynamman branch of the D and D S Federation and was a faithful and painstaking official. His patriotism endured to the end and the last words he uttered were, "For king and country".

The funeral took place at Holy Trinity Churchyard Ystalyfera on Monday, the cortege leaving Brynamman by the 2.30 train. A large number of local people attended, the procession being over a quarter of a mile in length. The Brynamman branch of the D and D S and S Federation attended and were marshalled by ex-Private Whitfield J Morgan, newsagent and marched very impressively. They also sent a wreath and at the last meeting of the Federation, a resolution of sympathy was passed with the family. A further vote of condolence was sent for the G. C. G.; D and D S and S Federation.

The Brynamman Town Band offered their services but by the express wish of the family they were dispensed with.

Floral tributes were sent by the Brynamman Band, G C G Band, his friends and the Sunday school class at Ebenezer. The arrangements were in the hands of ex-Private Whitfield J Morgan, ex-Private Davies (secretary) and ex-Navy man Jonah Evans.

Deep sympathy is felt with the family in their sad loss.

This gravestone in Holy Trinity records the death of Handel's parents, his mother who died in 1902 and his father who died in 1937. It lists in chronological order first his mother, then a baby brother Benjamin who died an infant, then Handel Jones who died in 1919, then his father.

Whitfield J Morgan of Brynamman

Whitfield J. Morgan was the Marshal at the funeral of Handel Jones. He was a Newsagent and had a shop in Brynamman. These photographs show the commencement of the funeral, on the left, and the shop in some detail on the right. The photograph at the bottom includes Whitfield J. Morgan himself, just by the door.

Grateful Thanks to David Morgan for sending YEARGROUP photographs of his Grandfathers Shop. The photograph shows his grandfathers shop = Stationer/Tobacconist/Cycle Agent and Repair Shop in its heyday and later when the roof had clearly been removed. His Grandfather Whitefield James Morgan (Born Carmarthen 10/05/1878) was the Newsagent and in the above article, at the funeral of Handel JONES, he acted as the Marshall.