The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Albert Richard Mallows served with the Royal Engineers on the Western Front and died of wounds received in August 1917. Albert later passed a course of instruction in mine rescue before the company moved to Ypres. He was badly wounded during the opening day of the Third Battle of Ypres on 31 July 1917 and died as a result of having a leg amputated on the following day, 1 August 1917.
His brother James also fell

The information on Albert Richard Mallows 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).

Bernard Lewis (Author 'Swansea Pals') lists: MALLOWS A. Pte 29089 Sailed for France Dec 1915. Next of Kin Mother Mrs. A. Mallows of Glan y Dwr House, Smithfield, Ystradgynlais. Not recorded as being killed in action.

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

News has been received that Private Albert Mallows, of the S W B has been wounded in action. The exact nature of his wounds is not yet known but it appears that he has been wounded in one of the limbs. He joined early in the war as a volunteer.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 1st September 1917 :-

YSTRADGYNLAIS NEWS
NOW REPORTED KILLED
Deep regret has been felt locally at the announcement of the death from wounds received in action of Sapper A. R. Mallows, of the Royal Engineers and son of Mr. and Mrs. George Mallows, Glan-y-dwr, who was badly wounded on August 1st, and died later in the day in a clearing hospital. Gunner Mallows, who wrote a cheerful letter to his parents shortly before being wounded, joined the Swansea Battalion in January, 1915, and was transferred in the course of six months to the Royal Engineers as a miner in the tunnelling corps. At an examination he was awarded the certificate for proficiency in the mine rescue school. Prior to joining he was employed for a few weeks at Seven Sisters, before which he worked at the Ystradgynlais colliery. He had been presented at both Seven Sisters and Ystradgynlais.

Mr. and Mrs. Mallows have had a letter from his captain, Captain H. N. W. Boyes, notifying them of the fact that Sapper Mallows had been wounded, and passed down the lines. His right leg was shattered but he bore his agony with fortitude. He was very popular at Ystradgynlais and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents and family in their sad loss.