Ystalyfera - South Wales
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Val Trevallion
The Williams (Hodge) grave in the cemetery
The monument of the Williams (Hodge) family
John Williams
This is the memorial page for John Williams, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War. He appears to have been generally known as Johnny.
The information on John Williams comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | John Williams |
| Date of Death | 15th August 1916 |
| Place of Death | France |
| Age at Death | 19 |
| Unit and Regiment | Welsh Regiment; 1st/6th Bn. |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | 3133 |
| Additional Information | Son of Mrs. Sarah Hodge 55, Gnoll Road, Godre’rgraig, Swansea.
Born and Lived in Godre’rgraig. |
| Cemetery | Buried by his comrades |
| Remembrance Grave | Godre’rgraig Cemetery – Godre’rgraig |
| Memorial | THIEPVAL MEMORIAL - FRANCE; Pier and Face 7 A and 10 A. |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | Johnny WILLIAMS was the son of Gwilym* and Sarah WILLIAMS. After his father died his mother Sarah** remarried in 1906 to a Mr William Hodge and had two more children Daughter Lizzie Hodge Born 1907 and a son Trevor Hodge Born 1909.
The family lived at 55, Gnoll Road, Godre’rgraig
* There is an entry for a Gwilym Williams: Buried Holy Trinity 07/03/1903 Plot Unknown (no 1546) aged 36 years ** Mother of Johnny WILLIAMS: Sarah HODGE died 21st October 1958 aged 81 years |
| Known Brothers | Clifford WILLIAMS (Born Ystalyfera 1903) |
| Known Sisters | Diana WILLIAMS (Born Ystalyfera 1900) |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 2nd September 1916 :-
GODRE’RGRAIG SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION
Quite a gloom was cast over the neighbourhood of Godre’rgraig on Monday when an official notification arrived with the sad intimation that Private Johnny Williams of Gnoll Road had fallen in action. Johnny, who was the son of the late Mr. Gwilym Williams, Pantteg, was a fine well-built lad of 19. He joined early in the war and had seen many months of severe fighting with the 6th Welsh. Much sympathy is felt with his family in their sad loss. The following letter was sent to the deceased’s soldier’s relatives, by his Captain, C. J. Cowley commanding the 6th. Battalion Welsh Regiment:
"It is with an expression of deep regret that I have to inform you that your son, Private Johnny Williams has fallen in action. I sincerely hope that your grief will be tempered by the knowledge that your lad died bravely, doing his bit nobly and fulfilling the spirit of his regimental motto: “Gwell angeu na chwilydd.” His comrades, who miss him, buried him reverently in a spot that will doubtless become historic. He was a hard worker, who gave his all for his country’s cause.
Yours very sincerely, C. J. Cowley, Captain."