Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for John Idris Jones, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the Second World War.

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

Below is a photograph of John Idris Jones from the Llais newspaper:-

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 3rd August 1940:-

DEATH OF LEADING STOKER IDRIS JONES

We regret to announce that on Wednesday, Mr and Mrs Tom Jones 30, Wade Avenue, received a brief intimation by telegraph of the death of their eldest son, John Idris Jones. No details are as yet available.
Leading stoker Jones was believed to be serving on one of H.M. aircraft carriers in Eastern waters at the time. He joined the Navy in 1929 and had seen service in many parts of the world. He was 30 years of age, married, but had no children. A zealous and conscientious seaman, he had passed his examination for the rank of petty officer and was happily looking forward to promotion at the end of the year, when his waiting time would have transpired. Idris who was liked by all with whom he came into contact with, for his quiet and modest disposition, and there are many who will mourn the untimely passing of a young man of the best type. We extend our deepest sympathy with the sorrowing wife and his parents.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 1st February 1941:-

JOINED H M FORCES

Mr Peter Jones, son of Mr and Mrs Tom Jones, Wade Avenue, left the locality this week to join the RAF. He was a prominent member of the local Scout Group and was also a member of the Home Guard since its inception.
It will be recalled that his brother, P.O. Idris Jones died on active service in the Mediterranean a few months ago.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 16th December 1944:-

VISITS BROTHER'S GRAVE

Mr and Mrs Tom Jones, 30 Wade Avenue, have received an interesting letter from their son, Leading Aircraftsman Peter Jones, RAF, who has been out in the Middle East for the last 3 and half years. In the course of his letter, Peter mentions that he spent his leave in Alexandria, and whilst there visited the grave of his brother: Leading Stoker Idris Jones, RN who died in Alexandria whilst on active service in 1940.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 12th August 1950:-

OBITUARY: MR TOM JONES

The death took place at his home on Monday of Mr Tom Jones 30 Wade Avenue he was 66 years of age, and had only been ill since last Thursday morning. A miner by occupation, he gave up work on the surface of the New Farteg Colliery as a result of an accident to his foot last October; up to three years ago he had worked 50 years underground but had to take to surface work through contracting pneumoconiosis.
An ex-serviceman of the 1914-18 war, he was in his younger days, one of the most popular playing members of the Ystalyfera R.F.C. Of a quiet and retiring disposition, Mr Jones was highly respected in the locality. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son; his other son, Idris, lost his life whilst serving on the aircraft carrier "Eagle" during the last war.
The funeral was on Friday, burial taking place at St. David's Cemetery Alltygrug.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 19th August 1950:-

FUNERAL OF MR TOM JONES

The funeral of Mr Tom Jones 30 Wade Avenue, who passed away on Monday, last week, took place last Friday, burial being at St David's Cemetery Alltygrug.
Principal mourners were: Peter Jones son; Idris, Aneurin brothers; Messrs William Jones, Lewis Jones, P Downey, S Lewis, Emlyn Jones brothers in law; Tom and Idris Evans grandchildren.
At the house: Mrs E Jones widow; Mesdames E Evans, Z Davies daughters; Mrs Maggie Jones sister; Mesdames B Lewis, M Downey, Irene Jones sisters in law; Mrs Myra Jones daughter in law; Dorothy, Rita, Idris grandchildren.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 26th December 1952:-

OBITUARY: MRS EMILY JONES

The death took place last Friday of Mrs Emily Jones 30 Wade Avenue, widow of Mr Tom Jones, who predeceased her two years ago.
Mrs Jones, who was 67 years of age, had not been in very good health for some time but only took to her bed a fortnight ago.
Greatly respected in the locality, she had been a devout worshipper and a faithful member of the English Congregational Church of which she had been its caretaker for many years.
She suffered a heavy blow during the war by the death of her son, Petty Officer Idris Jones, on active service while serving in H.M.S. Eagle.
During the 1914-18 war, while her husband was in the Forces, she was employed on the L.M.S. Railway, being the first woman porter at local stations.
She leaves two daughters and a son.

Alltygrug Cemetery Plot B 18 (B60) is where Tom and Emily Jones are buried