Ystalyfera Fallen

Major Henry Daniels of Ystalyfera was a holder of the Military Cross, and died during World War Two while in the Home Guard. He was awarded a semi-military funeral, and buried at Alltygrug cemetery.

The grave in Alltygrug cemetery

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 1st August 1942:-

YSTALYFERA MAN'S TRAGIC DEATH
Major Harry Daniels MC

We regret to report the death of Major Harry Daniels MC Clare Road Ystalyfera, which took place with tragic suddenness in the early hours of Wednesday. He was present at the Home Guard Headquarters Ystalyfera on Tuesday evening attending a meeting of the Ystalyfera Invasion Committee and was apparently in the best of health. After arriving home he complained of feeling unwell and retired to his bed, where shortly after it was discovered that he had passed away. The news of his death came as a profound shock to the whole locality.
Mr Daniel was principal of the firm of Messrs Trevor Evans and Daniel Auctioneers and Valuers Swansea and his genial disposition brought him widespread popularity in business and military circles. He was a prominent Freemason and was assistant secretary to the Corinthian Lodge at Swansea.
In the last war he joined the Garrison Artillery and after serving in France was granted the commission and later was awarded the Military Cross for bravery on the field. He was commander of the "E" Company Ystalyfera Glamorgan Battalion home Guard and his efficiency and keenness won the admiration and affection of all ranks.
He was the youngest son of Mr Dan Daniel and the late Mrs Daniel Alltygrug and a brother of Mr D J Daniel, headmaster of the Wern Boys School Ystalyfera.
He leaves a widow and two sons to mourn and to whom the sympathy of the whole district is extended.
The funeral is on Saturday at 4pm for burial at Alltygrug Cemetery and will be military and Masonic

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 8th August 1942:-

LATE MAJOR HARRY DANIEL MC
REPRESENTATIVE YSTALYFERA FUNERAL

One of the largest and most representative gathering is ever seen in the district attended the funeral on Saturday of Major Harry Daniel MC Clare Road Ystalyfera, whose tragically sudden death was reported in our last issue.
Burial was in Alltygrug Cemetery and the funeral was of a semi military character. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack and on top rested Major Daniels, stick and belt.
There was a very strong muster of Home Guard from Ystalyfera, Pontardawe, Ystradgynlais and Cwmllynfell together with St John Ambulance Men, National Fire Service and Air Training Corps.
The Masonic rites were performed by Worshipful Brother F W Randell, Corinthian Lodge. The last post and revelation was sounded by Cpl Neville Harper, Lance Cpl Morley Lodwick and Private Ieuan Jones.
The mourners were: Master Geoffrey Daniel son; Dan Daniel father; D J Daniel brother; Master Michael Daniel nephew; Messrs T J Williams, D J Williams, Sam Samuel brothers-in-law; D J Williams nephews; Richard Roberts, Oswald Samuel, Harry Morgan, Daniel John Daniel, Emrys Daniel, Frederick Daniel, Ivor Daniel, Rev Meurig Daniel, Messrs Haydn Williams, Tom and Morgan Llewelyn, T J Evans HMIM, and John Protheroe cousins.
At the house were: Mrs Edith Daniel widow; Master Alun Daniel son; Mrs Samuel and Miss Maud Daniel sisters; Mrs T J Williams, Mrs D J Williams, Mrs D J Daniel sisters in law; Miss Hannah Jones aunt; Mrs Richard Roberts, Mrs D J Daniel, Mrs E Daniel, Mrs F Daniel and Mrs Ivor Daniel cousins

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 9th December 1950:-

PASSING OF MR ALUN DANIEL

The death occurred on Saturday last of Mr Alan Daniel son of Mrs Edith Daniel Clare Road and the late Major Harry Daniel MC. He was 23 years of age. He had been a lifelong invalid and was taken seriously ill a few days before his death. The sympathy of the district is extended to Mrs Daniel and her son Geoffrey. The funeral took place on Tuesday at St David's Cemetery Alltygrug.
Family mourners were: Messrs Geoffrey Daniel brother; D J Daniel, T J Williams, D J Williams, Ivor Daniel Fred Daniel uncles; David Williams, L Williams, G Williams, Noel Evans, K Brazell, Nisien Jones, Bryn Lloyd, Ieuan Samuel cousins and Mrs Lizzie Samuel aunt.
At the house: Mrs E Daniel mother; Mesdames G Daniel, M Alexander, L M Daniel, T J Williams, D J Williams aunts; Mesdames N Jones, K Brazell, D Williams cousins.