The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

David John Samuel had served on the frontlines with the Welsh Regiment, but died in hospital in Hartlepool of black fever in July 1918.

This casualty has recently been accepted for commemoration by the Commission. However, it will not be possible to add his name to this Memorial immediately. Please contact the Commission before planning a visit, for more information.

The information on David John Samuel has been compiled from a number of sources, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).

	David John Samuel
	Grave inscription:- Died in Hospital at West Hartlepool while serving his country. July 17th 1918. Aged 24 years.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 24th February 1917:-

Private David John Samuel son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Samuel (Penbryn) stationed at West Hartlepool, has been home on leave. He was given a cordial reception.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 27th July 1918:-

ABERCRAVE
Great sorrow was felt throughout the neighbourhood on Thursday of last week when the news of the death of Corporal D J Samuel, the only son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Samuel (contractor) Penybryn, became known. The deceased soldier, who was attached to the Ordnance Corps of the 7th Welsh Cyclists, stationed at West Hartlepool, was taken ill on Wednesday and was removed to hospital suffering from influenza. In a few days he contracted pneumonia, and his condition becoming critical, his parents were sent for on Tuesday. He succumbed the following day. He was 24 years of age and was very popular in the district being of a genial disposition. Prior to his enlistment, two and a half years ago, he was engaged as a clerk at Abergavenny where he had made a wide circle of friends.

The body was conveyed home on Friday and the funeral took place on Monday afternoon at Carmel (C.M.) churchyard. The large gathering of friends and relatives testified to the high esteem in which he was held, the procession being one of the largest seen in the valley for many years. The Rev H Beynon Carmel (where deceased was a faithful member prior to his departure to Abergavenny), and Rev W Leyshon Griffiths, Cwmgiedd conducted a short service at the house, and the Revs A D Thomas (Onllwyn) R Beynon (Carmel) and L Lloyd (Bryn Seion) officiated at the chapel and graveside.

Two of the late young soldier's favourite hymns were sung very feelingly at the service. The principal mourners were:

Mr and Mrs Thomas father and mother; Miss C Jones fiancé and Mr David Thomas cousin; Mr and Mrs J Samuel, Pontardulais; Mr and Mrs I Samuel, Cross Hands; Mr and Mrs D Samuel, Cross Hands uncles and aunts; Mrs James Onllwyn; Mrs. Thomas, Penycae and Mrs Price Trecastle aunts;

Beautiful floral tributes were sent by the following: All the family at Maesyderi, Charlie, Mr and Mrs Roderick of Gwynfrynelen and Carmel Sunday school. Great sympathy is felt with the bereaved relatives in their sad loss.

Additional records, now in Ystradgynlais Library, record that Corporal Samuel died of black fever on 17th July 1918, and was buried on 22nd July 1918.

His parents, Rachel and Thomas died on 22nd November 1933 and 24th August 1935 respectively.

David John Samuel was one of the fallen of the First World War, mentioned in the Llais (27th September 1919) to be included on the Proposed War Memorial List for Abercrave.

AFTER FINALLY RELEASING NATURES THORNY VEIL FROM THIS HEADSTONE
I sat quietly in the Chapel yard and wrote the Poem THE LONG SLEEP. Val Trevallion