The War Graves of Ystradgynlais
Rice Jeffreys
Rice Jeffreys served with the South Wales Borderers and was killed in action in Mesopotamia in December 1916.
The information on Rice Jeffreys 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).
| Name | Rice Jeffreys |
| Date of Death | 20th December 1916 |
| Place of Death | Iraq |
| Age at Death | 23 |
| Unit and Regiment | South Wales Borderers; 4th Bn. |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | 27488 |
| Additional Information | Born Ystradgynlais. Lived Colbren. Enlisted Brecon |
| Remembrance Grave | Nant-y-Ffin Chapel; row 13, grave 11; remembered on his parents' grave. |
| Memorial | BASRA MEMORIAL - IRAQ; Panel 16 and 62. |
| Local Memorials | Maesydderwen Roll of Honour |
| Local Memorials | Ystradgynlais War Memorial
Coelbren Church Plaque and Pulpit Memorial - Presented by the Congregation as a Thank offering to Almighty God for the Blessing of Peace and as a Memorial to those who Sacrificed their Lives for their King and Country in the Great War. |
| Family Details | Son of Rees (b 1858) and Margaret Jeffreys (b 1859) of Penygraig, Colbren, Neath |
| Known Brothers | Howel, b 1885, Colliery Fireman Richard, b 1887, Elementary School Teacher, Colbren David (Dewi), b 1889 John (born 1897) Llewellyn (born 1897) Bryclan (born 1900) |
| Known Sisters | Elizabeth, b 1891 |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 11th March 1916 :-
Mr Richard Jeffreys, Certificated Assistant Master at the Colbren Council School, has left to join the Army. Mr Jeffreys chose to serve with the Brecknocks, and has been stationed in Pembrokeshire. All Colbrenites wish Mr Jeffreys every success and good luck with a safe and speedy return to his duties at school, where his services were very much appreciated.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 23rd September 1916:-
ABERCRAVE
Private Rice Jeffreys, Penygraig, Colbren, visited his home last week, looking well. He is stationed at Liverpool, where he has been in training for several months but now expects to be sent with his regiment to one of the battlefronts. It is worthy of note that four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffreys are serving with the colours.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 6th January 1917:-
MISSING
We are extremely sorry to learn that Private Rice Jeffreys, son of Mr and Mrs Rees Jeffreys, Penygraig Colbren, is missing since the early part of December. Official news reached his parents on Friday.
From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 17th January 1917 :-
MISSING BELEIVED KILLED:
SOUTH WALES BORDERERS JEFFREYS R (27488) Colbren Neath
The grave in the upper part of Nant-y-Ffin chapel graveyard is referenced in the burial book as 13.11 - it is his parents' grave, for Rees Jeffreys of Penygraig, Colbren, died March 27 1932, aged 74, and Margaret, died Sep 4th 1933, aged 74. The inscription says:-
Hefyd am Rice, eu mab, a rhoddodd ei fywyd yn yr Rhyfel Mawr yn Mesopotamia Rhag 21 1916. Yn 24 oed
which translates as:-
Also of Rice, their son, who died in the Great War in Mesopotamia, December 21st 1916, aged 24 years.
It is a black headstone with ivy leaf margins.
Ystradgynlais War Memorial
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