The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

William John Jones lived at the Castle Hotel in Caerbont, Abercrave and had worked at the International Colliery before his enlistment in the Royal Engineers. He was killed in action in France in July 1917.

The information on William John Jones 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).

The Labour Voice newspaper recorded positive news about Willie Jones in January 1915, in its 30th January edition:-

The numerous friends of Mr Will Jones of the Castle Hotel will be pleased to know that he has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Jones, who is stationed in Gloucestershire, enlisted at the commencement of the war and his promotion has been rapid. All friends join in wishing him further success.

From the Western Mail newspaper, 12th February 1917:-

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Sergeant W. J. Jones, South Wales Borderers, awarded the Military Medal. The son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones of Castle Hotel, Abercrave, Ystradgynlais. Formerly employed at the International Colliery

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 14th August 1917:-

ON ACTIVE SERVICE
JONES - Killed in action in France on July 28th, William John, in his 25th year, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, Castle Hotel, Abercrave. Deeply mourned by all.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 18th August 1917:-

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Mr. and Mrs. Jones of the Castle Hotel Abercrave have received intimation from the War Office that their only son, Sergeant William Jones of the South Wales Borderers has been killed in action. Twelve months ago the deceased soldier was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field. Prior to enlistment Sergeant Jones was employed at the International Colliery Abercrave but joined the colours soon after the outbreak of war and gained rapid promotion.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 27th September 1917:-

Mr. and Mrs. John Jones, Castle Hotel Abercrave have received the following sympathetic letter from Lieutenant H. J. Jeffreys, Royal Engineers, France. Lieutenant Jeffreys writes after hearing of the death in action of their only son, Sergeant W. Jones M.M.

"Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and also the sympathy of the Company as a whole, both officers and men, on the death of your son on active service.
I would have written before but as Sergeant Jones was taken to hospital, it is only lately that I have been informed of his death.
In your great trouble it is impossible for me to sympathise with you as I would like to; we have lost a gallant comrade and one of the most trustworthy Sergeants in the Company, but you have lost a son in which all your hopes and affections were centred and the only consolation you have is that he died doing his duty, that he faced death like a man, and like, the brave soldier he was."
H. Jeffries 2nd Lieutenant R.E.

William Jones 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.

Below, are four photographs of the grave at Coxyde, courtesy of family member Sharon Arney. She writes
I have also attached photos of his grave in Coxyde. The first an early photo of the grave and the next one an official photo following the placement of the headstone. The bottom two are photos my grandfather took when he, my grandmother and my mother, Babs Morgan known as Babs the Castle visited the grave in approx 1930.

William John Jones; Castle Hotel Ystradgynlais

By kind permission of Sharon Arney
Attached are photos of Willie and friends (the top two) and the bottom one, with his sister Annie Elizabeth Morgan nee Jones. ( my grandmother).