Ystalyfera Fallen

This is the memorial page for William James Evans, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the First World War.

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

	William James Evans To the left is the family grave for Ebenezer and Marian Evans, their sons David and Cyrus, and Cyrus' wife May Evans.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 2nd November 1918:-

The sad news was received on Thursday morning by his parents Councillor and Mrs Ebenezer Evans, Alltygrug Road Ystalyfera that Private Willie James Evans, their eldest son of the Gloucester Regiment had been killed in action. The only notification received so far is that contained in a letter from a friend, who states that Willie was killed by a bullet penetrating his head. The deceased's wrist watch was also returned to his parents. He was home on leave recently. Joining the army two years ago he had seen 15 months service in France. Before joining he was on the staff of a Swansea drapery house, and had been mentioned as a suitable soldier to enter cadet school and it was intended that he should return home to undergo six months training at an early date. He was only 20 years of age and will be mourned by a large circle of friends.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 3rd June 1944, came the news of the death of William James Evans' father, Ebenezer Evans, at the age of 68:-

YSTALYFERA DEATH
MR EBENEZER EVANS

The death took place on Saturday at the age of 68 of Mr Ebenezer Evans Bronyrawel Alltygrug Road Ystalyfera. Mr Evans, who was one of the villagers most respected and popular residents, was taken ill in a bus at Ynysmeudwy the previous evening. Surviving are his widow and one son, police Constable Cyrus Evans, Penderyn a short. One son, Mr Willie Evans, was killed in France in the last war and another, Mr David John Evans, met his death in a motoring accident at Morriston about nine years ago. Mr Ebenezer was Deacon and treasurer 35 years of Zion Chapel and was also precentor. He was vice-chairman of the Ystalyfera United Singing Festival Committee. A native of Llanarthney he had resided in Ystalyfera since childhood. In his younger days he played for Ystalyfera Rugby Club, between 1894 and 1901 and was a brilliant exponent of the game. He was also a sprinter of no mean repute. For some years he was a member of the Llanguick Parish Council.

A founder member of the Ystalyfera and District Choral Society his assisted the Brynamman United Choral Society (conductor, Mr Edward Evans) when they gained Premier honours at the Mountain Ash National Eisteddfod in 1925. Prior to his retirement nine years ago he was a roller man at the Yniscedwyn Tin Plate Works.

The funeral took place on Wednesday; interment being at St David's Cemetery Alltygrug and a large and representative gathering was a tribute to the esteem in which he was held.

Mourners were: Messrs Cyrus Evans son; David William Evans brother; Benjamin Evans and David Henry Jones brothers-in-law; James Lewis Neath uncle; John Hughes Pwllbach cousin.

At the house were: Mrs M A Evans widow; Mrs Cyrus Evans daughter-in-law; Davina and Dennis Evans granddaughters; Mrs D H Jones, Mrs Benjamin Evans sisters in law; Mrs Annie Davies Neath, Mrs Muriel Williams Pontardawe, cousins; Miss Sydna Evans, Mrs Glyn Elwyn, Misses Edwina and Josephine Evans nieces.

Many thanks to Marie Le Rouzic, a French English Teacher who took this photograph and kindly sent it to YEARGROUP for inclusion on our memorial page to William James Evans