Alwen May Evans
Ystradgynlais Fallen of World War Two
Alwen May Evans was a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and died of illness in Morriston Hospital in February 1945.
The spelling of the name is confused; on the War Memorial it is spelt as above, Alwen Mai Evans, but in the newspaper article contemporaneously recording her death it is spelt Olwen May Evans. Meanwhile, on the grave in St David's churchyard it is spelt Alwen May Evans.
The information on Alwen May Evans has been compiled from a number of sources, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the South Wales Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
The new Ystradgynlais War Memorial was erected in 2016.
Alwen May Evans
Ystradgynlais Fallen of World War Two
| Name | Alwen May Evans |
| Date of Death | 24th February 1945 |
| Place of Death | Morriston Hospital |
| Age at Death | 21 |
| Unit and Regiment | Women's Auxiliary Air Force |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service Number | 2076144 |
| Grave | ST. DAVIDS CHURCHYARD - ABERCRAVE, POWYS; S.E. of church. Grave 492. Grave inscription: Guarded⁄By Gods unsleeping watch. |
| Local Memorials | Ystradgynlais War Memorial
Brass Plaque in St. David's Church, Abercrave |
| Family Notes | Daughter of Edwin Cadwalader Evans (1896-1968) and Gwendoline Maud Evans (née Watkins (1896-1973) of 10 Henneuadd, Abercrave. |
| Sisters | Myrie Evans |
Grave of Alwen May Evans, Saint David's cemetery, Abercrave
From the Llais
Local Newspaper
From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 10th March 1945:-
W.A.A.F. CORPORAL'S FUNERAL
Impressive scenes were witnessed at the funeral on Wednesday of Corporal Olwen May Evans, 21 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Evans, Brynffynnon, Abercrave, whose death at Morriston Hospital after months of illness, occasioned widespread regret and sympathy in the district. The large attendance, representative of various organisations with which she was associated and the profusion of floral tributes bore eloquent testimony to her popularity and the heartfelt sympathy for her parents who have sustained a grievous blow. May was beloved by all and her charming personality enriched the atmosphere at home and her large circle of friends...
L.A.C.W., Myrie Evans WAAF, deceased's sister, who is at present on active service in Cairo, was sympathetically referred to by all present at the funeral. She had been unable to return to this country during the very anxious weeks of her sister's illness and sincere sympathy is extended to her in her sorrow and anguish in so distant a land.
The photograph of Olwen May Evans, as it is spelt in the article, taken from the South Wales Voice newspaper, recording her death.
