Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for Kenneth Edwards, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the Second World War. Thank you to Andy Ingham for contacting us with exact information about the circumstances of his death - read here.

The information on Kenneth Edwards comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the South Wales Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

**Parents of David Kenneth Vincent EDWARDS: Mother Margaret Ann died 1929 Father Aneurin died 1956 + Brother Thomas Alexander EDWARDS died 1911 Buried Holy Trinity cemetery Plot 3C Row 04 G 45. See the grave to the right, in a collapsed condition (click for full-size).

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 18th November 1944 :-

YSTALYFERA AIRMAN KILLED
It was with deep regret that we announce the death of L/A.C. David Kenneth Edwards, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aneurin Edwards of Claremont, Penywern Ystalyfera. Official notification that he had been killed on November 7th as a result of enemy action at sea, and buried at Ostend, Belgium, on 9th November, was received on Monday and when the sad news became generally known, it cast a gloom over the community.

Kenneth was 32 years of age, and was married two years ago to Miss Valerie Brader, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Brader of the well-known firm of pianoforte dealers. He was educated at the Ystalyfera County School and Westwood College, Penarth and previous to joining the RAF four years ago was on the staff of the Castle Square, Swansea branch of the Midland Bank.

Although of a reserved nature, his genial disposition made him very popular and the deepest sympathy of the neighbourhood is extended to the young widow and six months old baby, as well as to his parents who are widely known in the district.

RESEARCH KINDLY GIVEN TO YEARGROUP BY ANDY INGHAM on
LAC DAVID KENNETH VINCENT EDWARDS (1160024) RAFVR Aged 31 Died 07/11/1944

He was serving with BSRU (Base Signal Radar Unit) and was killed whilst on board LST-420 which was sunk by a mine in the Schelde Estuary.

LST-420 left Dover on 7th November with a party of airmen, trucks and supplies for RAF personnel in Belgium. It was unable to enter the Port of Ostend when it hit a mine, split in two and sank.

Fourteen officers and 224 other ranks were lost. Only 31 were saved. It was the greatest loss of lives on a British landing craft during the war.

LAC Edwards is buried in Oostende New Communal Cemetery.

Kenneth's mother, Margaret, had died in 1929 when he was sixteen. From the South Wales Voice 30th November 1929:-

MRS ANEURIN EDWARDS
DEATH OF YSTALYFERA LADY
We greatly regret to report the death on Saturday morning of Mrs M A Edwards, wife of Mr Aneurin Edwards, Alltygrug Road Ystalyfera, at the early age of 43. Mrs Edwards was the only daughter of the late Mr and Mrs David Richards plasterer, Ystalyfera and with her husband, who is on the staff of the Ystalyfera Tinplate Works, had taken a prominent part in the social interest of the locality. She also took a keen interest in the activities connected with St David's Church, the Operatic Society and the Ystalyfera and District Choral Society. She had been in failing health for about four months, an illness which she bore with a patience and Christian fortitude. Of a genial and cheerful disposition, she was well liked and respected and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends. Deep sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband and only son, Mr Kenneth Edwards.

The South Wales Voice for 11th May 1956 recorded the death of Kenneth's father, Aneurin Edwards:-

DEATH OF YSTALYFERA CHURCHMAN
Mr Aneurin Edwards Claremont School Road Ystalyfera, who died at Clydach Hospital on 3rd May, was one of the best-known figures in Ystalyfera, through his close associations with religious cultural and sporting organisations.
The last surviving son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Edwards Graig Stores Pantteg, Mr Edwards was head cashier at the old Ystalyfera tin plate Works and retired when the works closed in 1946. He was vicar's warden at St David's Church and for many years was secretary of the Parochial Church Counsel and a member of the Board of Finance of the Swansea and Brecon Diocese.

YSTALYFERA CHOIR
He was secretary of Ystalyfera Operatic Society, of which the late Mr W D Clee was conductor and when the great Ystalyfera Choir was formed, also under Mr Clee, he became its first secretary and eventually its chairman.
He was also a vice president of the Ystalyfera RFC and Cricket Club.
He also took a prominent part in organising the local activities during the 1951 Festival of Britain and Coronation celebrations in 1953.
During the war, during which his son Kenneth lost his life at sea while serving with the RAF, in 1944, Mr Edwards served with the local Civil Defence.
Besides his widow, he leaves a stepson and a granddaughter.

THE FUNERAL The funeral of Mr Aneurin Edwards of Claremont School Road Ystalyfera, who died on 3rd May, took place at Holy Trinity Churchyard on 7th May.
He leaves a widow, granddaughter and also a stepson and family.
Bearers; Mr W Eddington, Mr T Hicks, Mr W Williams, Mr E Hathaway, Mr E Kelly, C Reynolds. Mourners: H Raymond Hopkin B. Sc., Stepson: Principal J H Davies M. E., F.G.S., brother-in-law; Sidney Gabe, Elwyn Gabe, Rees William Edwards, cousins; J Barron Pascoe, Harold Jones, Squadron Leader D R Jones, Tascar Jones nephews; Emrys Williams, Gareth Morgan, T Ellis Hopkin cousins; At the house: Mrs M Edwards wife; Mrs Gwendoline Lewis, Miss Sarah Edwards sisters; Mrs Hilda Evans-Jones, Mrs Leonora Davies, M.B.E., J.P., sisters in law;...

The newspaper article reporting the death of Kenneth's uncle, William, in the same issue of the newspaper also gives passing reference to the death of his father, Aneurin. From the South Wales Voice 11th May 1956:-

DEATH OF PANTTEG GROCER
The death took place on 18th April of Mr William Edwards of Graig Stores Pantteg Ystalyfera. Mr Edwards was 75 and the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Edwards, of the same address. His death was the first of three blows suffered by the family in the last fortnight. Mr Rufus Gabe, of Alltygrug, his cousin, died at Swansea Hospital on 30th April and his only brother Aneurin Edwards, of Belmont Ystalyfera, died on 3rd May at Clydach Hospital.
Mr Edwards was a lifelong member of Caersalem Chapel. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.
Cremation was at Pontypridd on 21st April