Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Henry Groves, originally from Evesham but resident in Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War. Note that whilst in some records he is referred to as Groves, in others he is referred to as Grove.

The information on Henry Groves 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, 21st July 1917 :-

GODRE'RGRAIG KILLED IN ACTION
Official information has been received by Mrs. Groves of Pentalwn, Godre'rgraig, that her husband, Pioneer Henry Groves, has been killed in France. The deceased was attached to the Royal Engineers. Captain Loveday, writing to Mrs. Groves, says:
"It is with feelings of the greatest regret that I write to inform you that your dear husband, who was attached to this company, has passed away. He set out this morning in his usual health and good spirits to his daily duties. Within half an hour of leaving camp he fell while at his post. His loss cast a gloom over the camp and both men and officers feel his loss keenly. I was desired by the whole company to express to you their heart felt sympathy in your bereavement, in which I also associate myself and I pray the Almighty will give you strength and comfort to sustain you in your heavy affliction."
Pioneer Grove was a member of a well-known Evesham family of market gardeners. He came to Wales thirteen years ago and until he joined the army was engaged at the Tarreni Colliery. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 7th June 1919 :-

GROVE.-In loving memory of my dear husband, Henry Grove, Pentalwn, Godre'rgraig, who was killed in France June 8th, 1917.
"Two years have passed, our hearts still sore,
As time rolls on, we miss him more.
- Ever remembered by his wife and children, Eddie and Jack.

As a member of the English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera, as well as being remembered on the memorial plaque that was erected there, Henry Groves was one of the men mentioned in The Fallen of the English Congregational Church in World War One, a speech given in 1935 by John Bell, for 28 years Treasurer of the English Congregational Church.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 18th March 1939 :-

The death occurred on Thursday of Mrs Fanny Grove, widow of Mr Henry Grover 64 Pentalwn Godre'rgraig. Mrs Grove, who was a native of Evesham Worcestershire, had resided in the locality for the last 36 years and was 67 years of age.
The funeral took place at Godre'rgraig Cemetery last Monday.
Chief mourners were: Miss Edith Grove daughter; Mr [Horace] Jack Grove Weston-super-Mare son; Miss Ena Grove Birmingham daughter; Miss Nina Grove granddaughter; Mr Jack Price, Mrs Charlie Turvey, Pershore friend.
At the house were: Mrs Athalie Grove Weston-super-Mare daughter-in-law; Master Gordon Grove grandson; Mrs Richard Morgan, Mrs Edward Davies Glanrhyd.

Wife of Henry GROVE: Fanny GROVE nee MOYLE (Born Evesham Worcestershire 1871) She Died aged 67 years, 09/03/1939 and has been filed in a gravesite in Godre'rgraig Cemetery SECTION IIA R05 G04 THERE ARE NO DETAILS OR PROOF OF BURIAL HERE BUT THE SITE WAS OWNED BY HER DAUGHTER Edith GROVE