Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for John Murphy, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.

The information on John Murphy 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, 8th July 1916:-

News has been received that Private Murphy, son of Mr and Mrs Morris Murphy, tin worker Graig, has been wounded during the fighting last Saturday and Sunday.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 26th January 1918:-

Corporal J. Murphy, Welsh Guards, has been home this week on furlough at Clifton Hill. He has seen service on the Somme and Ypres, Cambrai and Arras, having seen no less than 12 months' service in the trenches. He is only 22 years of age. He was recently gassed whilst in France. He was made a corporal in recognition of his having shot an enemy sniper who was giving considerable trouble to the men in his section, and who was only detected with considerable difficulty.
In a recent inter Guards boxing match he came in to within four of the final parties, and met Hughes, of Lancashire.
He was with Private Elwyn Clee (Pantteg) at the time he was killed in action a short while ago. Murphy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Murphy and another brother, Private Glyn Murphy, also of the Welsh Guards, has seen service with the colours.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 26th October 1918 :-

News has reached Ystalyfera that Sergt. John Murphy of the Welsh Guards, formerly of Clifton Hill, Ystalyfera, has been killed in action on October 11th whilst fighting with his unit at St. Vaast. He is buried there. Prior to the war he worked in the Ystalyfera tin plate works. His father is Mr. Morris Murphy a rollerman at Gilwen Tinplate works. John Murphy was wounded on four different occasions.

The **Mother of John Murphy died in 1947 and is buried in Godre'rgraig Cemetery (Pantteg Member) at Section II A, Row 07, Grave 25

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 18th January 1947:-

As reported in a previous issue, the death occurred on Saturday of last week of Mrs Mary Ann Murphy** 107 Cyfyng Road. The funeral took place on Thursday at Godre'rgraig Cemetery, the Rev Iorwerth Jones Pantteg officiating.
The mourners were: Mr Morris Murphy husband; Messrs Glyn, Griff, Joe and Danny Murphy sons... At the house were: Lily Lewis; Mrs D T Morgan, Mrs Enid Lewis daughters; Mrs Rebecca Bright sister;

The South Wales Voice records information about the father of John Murphy, first that he was in hospital after a fall in March 1953, and then that he died in June 1954.

From the South Wales Voice on Friday 27th March 1953 :-

OCTOGENARIAN IN HOSPITAL
Mr Morris Murphy, aged 84, of Cyfyng Road, a well known local personality, was taken to Morriston Hospital on Sunday, suffering from a leg injury, as a result of a fall on the roadway the previous day.

From the South Wales Voice on Friday 25th June 1954 :-

MR M MURPHY YSTALYFERA
The death took place on Monday morning of Mr Morris Murphy of 107 Cyfyng Road Ystalyfera.
A native of Ystalyfera Mr Murphy, who was 83, had been laid up for nearly a year as a result of a broken thigh.
A tin plate worker, he was a roller man of exceptional skill and was employed at the Phoenix Tin Plate Works Lower Cwmtwrch, until it closed down during the last war.
Of a quiet disposition, he was also an ardent rugbyite and the father of the late Dai Murphy, one of the finest wing forwards to don the Ystalyfera RFC jersey. His eldest son, Johnny, was killed in action while serving in the Welsh Guards in France in the 1914-18 War.
His wife died 7 years ago and he leaves 4 sons and 3 daughters.
Burial took place at Godre'rgraig Cemetery on Thursday.