The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

D Howells on the war memorial can be identified as David Howells, who fought in World War One, but had been discharged by the time he died.

From the Llais newspaper, 27th November 1915:-

The men of the Swansea Battalion, who have been enjoying probably their final holiday leave at Cwmtwrch, were given an enthusiastic send off on Sunday evening, when a splendid farewell meeting was held at Beulah Chapel, over which Mr Thomas R Thomas (schoolmaster), presided. The men occupied a seat near the "set fawr," and were Privates Lewis Holt (Cwmphill), Danny Weston (near Beulah), David Williams (near Bethel), Harry Furness (Cwmphill), David Howells (near Bethel) and Richie Thomas

From the Llais newspaper, 30th September 1916:-

Private David Howells whose home is near Bethel and who was wounded in the charge on Mametz Wood, we are pleased to say is slowly progressing at the Birmingham Hospital. Private Howells was wounded very seriously having a part of his lower jaw blown away by shrapnel. His recovery has been remarkable. He is now able to walk about and is expected home on leave shortly.

From the Llais newspaper, 27th January 1917:-

Private David Howells, whose home is near Bethel, has arrived home this week from hospital in Birmingham, where he has been for the last seven months suffering from a serious wound in the neck and jaw. He joined the Monmouth Battalion of the S.W.B. after the outbreak of war, and prior to being wounded, had seen considerable fighting on different parts of the battle front in France. At the beginning of the Somme offensive his battalion joined the Welsh Division, which, as is now widely known made the historic charge on Mametz Woods, and won that position. It was on the morning of this charge that Private Howells fell, being hit just under the chin by a piece of shrapnel. For many months he completely lost his voice, and was fed only on liquid foods. After a wonderful operation he has regained his speech, but is still in a weak state after his terrible ordeal. He returns on Saturday to Birmingham where he will undergo another operation. It is to be hoped that Private Howells will soon have a complete recovery.

From the Llais newspaper, 2nd February 1918:-

A hearty reception was given to Private David Howells at Upper Cwmtwrch on Friday evening, when a large number of friends and acquaintances assembled. Private Howells, whose home is at Lower Cwmtwrch, has been totally discharged on account of wounds which he received in active service.

On behalf of the gathering the chairman, Mr M Morgan ME Cwmllynfell, presented Private Howells with Treasury notes in an able speech.

From the Llais newspaper, 9th February 1918:-

CWMTWRCH
A reception meeting was held at Beulah on Wednesday evening in honour of six soldiers home on leave, namely Privates David Evans, Peter Gilhooly, Albert L Thomas, D Howells, James Evans, Elvet Morgan, the three last named having been recently discharged. The following took part in an excellent programme:
Miss Lizzie j Morgan, Mrs. Dl. Thomas, Miss Sarah A. Williams, and "Ffynonferch," Miss |} Ellen Moses, Mr. Dd. W. Thomas, Messrs. D. W. Owen, Evan T. Owen, John Owen, Willie Walters (instru- Liien quartette), and Mr Ht. G. Davies. i ?>ir. A. D. Phillips, on behalf of the committee, presented the soldiers with the usual cheques, and appropriate remarks to the gallant lads followed by | Mr. John Dyfrig Owen. The Rev. W. T. Hughes conducted the meeting, and Mr. Elfet MorgEan presided at. the piano. ) On Tuesday evening last at Bethel Chapel vestry under the auspices of the Welsh Society, Mr. Herbert G. Davies read an interesting paper portraying the life and works of Ceiriog. He was assisted by the following, who gave 'renderings in song and poetry shosen from the numerous works of this immortal bard: Songs,. Misses Rachel A. Owen, Nellio Jane Davies, Maggie Jane Phillips, Gwladys May Howells, Randell Evans, Mary Thomas. Rccitationa, MW¡ Annie M. Thoinson j Mr. Phillip Thomu, Misses Annie M. j Thomas, Ceridwen Phillips, Mr. Emrys Morgan, Mr. Gothin Owen, Miss ¡ Margaret A. Thomas, Misses Eunren Davies, Enid May Jones, Viola Levi, Annie Miriam Harries, Lizeie J. Grif- fiths, Mr. Dd. Oswald Thomas, V\tron Howells. The meeting was presided over by Mr. John Dyfrig Owen. A discussion followed in which many members took part. Mr. Edgar Phillips, whose home is at Lr. Cwmtwreh, visited his home duing the week on dra?t loaT, and has now returned to France. He is attached to the Artillery, and was wounded some time ago. He was given a hearty send-off. Pte. Dd. Evans, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J«s. Eraus (newsagent) has arrived home for the second time from France, and was given a warm reception. Pt. Evans, who has seen considerable fighting in Flanders and France, joined the original Welsh Bantams. He went through the Cambrai fighting recently. The remains of Mrs. Powell, of Cwmphil, Lr. Cwmtwrch, whose death was reported last week, were laid to rest at Bethania Cemetery on Saturday, when there was a large gathering of sympathisers present.