Edward Rees
This is the memorial page for Edward Rees, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.
The information on Edward Rees comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | Edward Rees |
| Date of Death | 9th November 1917 |
| Place of Death | |
| Age at Death | 36 |
| Unit and Regiment | Welsh Regiment; 2nd Bn. |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Service Number | 6098 |
| Additional Information | Husband of Mary Ann Rees of 22, Gnoll Road, Godrergraig, Swansea. (Mary Ann died 1941)* |
| Cemetery | |
| Remembrance Grave | . |
| Memorial | TYNE COT MEMORIAL - BELGIUM; Panel 93 to 94. |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial
Marble Plaque – Pantteg Chapel |
| Family Details | |
| Known Brothers | |
| Known Sisters |
Served in Boer War
Official intimation has been received by Mrs. M. A. Rees 22, Gnoll Road Godre’rgraig that her husband, Lance Corporal Edward Rees Welsh Regiment, was killed in action on 9th November. Lance Corporal Rees, who was an old soldier who served in the Boer War and was on the reserve when the present war broke out, was employed at Tarreni Colliery prior to being called up.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 25th September 1915:-
Private Edward Rees of Gnoll Road Godre’rgraig, an Army reservist, who has been in France since the commencement of the war, has been home on short leave and returned to his duties on Tuesday. Private Rees, who was employed at Tarreni prior to going out to France, is in the Welsh Regiment and went through all the biggest engagements such as Neuve Chapelle, Hill 60 etc, etc. On one occasion he was the solitary survivor of a party of 15 and he has had so many narrow escapes that he is beginning to think he is the possessor of a charmed life. Private Rees is well known in the lower part of the district and had a great welcome home from his many friends.
From the WESTERN MAIL SATURDAY, 1st DECEMBER 1917 P3
HEROES OF RANK AND FILE KILLED
Mrs. M. A. Rees 22 Gnoll Road Godre’rgraig, Swansea Valley, has received official news that her husband, Lance Corporal Edward Rees, has fallen in action. Before being called to the colours he was employed at the Tarreni Colliery.
From the LLAIS LLAFUR 1st DECEMBER 1917
Quite a gloom was cast over the district on Monday when the new arrived from the War Office that Lance Corporal E. Rees, of Gnoll Road, had been killed in action. Lance Corporal Rees was an old reservist, and saw service throughout the Boer war. He joined up at the commencement of the war, and was drafted out to France with the Welsh Regiment In 1914. He was recently home on leave, and was killed within a few days of his reaching the front. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss.
From the SOUTH WALES VOICE SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER 1941
The death occurred last Sunday of Mrs. Ann Rees, 60 years of age, of 22 Gnoll Road Godre’rgraig. She was the widow of Edward Rees and had been ill for a long time. Her husband was the first local man to be killed in the last war. She was a member of Pantteg Chapel and is survived by 3 nieces and 3 nephews. The funeral is on Wednesday at Siloam Cemetery Brynamman.
The statement above that Edward Rees was 'the first local man to be killed' in the First World War must define 'local' by a very limited fashion, reflecting in part the world-view of the time where the hamlet or small village was the centre of one's local life.