The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Cedric Watcyn Williams was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force and was shot down and killed over the English Channel during the Battle of Britain, August 1940.

On 27th September 2011, a Service of Remembrance was held at Maesydderwen School for Squadron Leader Cedric Watcyn Williams; further information by clicking here.

The information on Cedric Watcyn Williams 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).

	Cedric Watcyn Williams To the left is a photograph of Cedric as a cadet, with thanks to the family

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 31st August 1940 :-

YSTRADGYNLAIS AIRMAN KILLED IN ACTION
The sad news was received at Ystradgynlais on Tuesday that Squadron Leader Cedric Williams of the RAF, son of Mrs. Ada Williams, formerly of Rose Cottage Ystradgynlais and now of London, has been killed in action. Squadron Leader Williams, who was about 29 years of age, had been in the RAF for several years. Gaining a scholarship by competitive examination, he passed out of the Cadet School as the most successful cadet of his term. He gained his education by means of scholarships, he was a brilliant student, and attained success by sheer hard work. In August 1937, Mr. Williams married Miss Nell Morgan, elder daughter of Mr. Oswald Morgan and the late Mrs. Morgan, Post Office, Ystradgynlais, and he leaves a widow and 1 young child. Sympathy is extended to his family in their sorrow.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 28th September 1940 :-

TRIBUTE TO MISSING YSTRADGYNLAIS RAF OFFICER
As reported in these columns recently, Squadron leader Cedric Watcyn Williams, a native of Ystradgynlais, has been killed in action and a correspondent writing to the "Times" paid him the following tribute:
"Taffy Williams had made a close study of the German Air Force and few knew more about it. It was a joy to hear him build up arguments to prove the correctness of his views, to see his eyes flash as a torrent of facts poured from his lips, and his highly intolerant impatience with anybody who tried to shake his argument was good to see.
"His ambition to lead a squadron of fighters against an enemy whose strength he knew so well was realised eventually"
Squadron Leader Williams graduated from the RAF College, Cranwell, as a pilot officer in 1931 and for 18 months served with a fighter squadron. During 1933-4 he was with a bomber squadron in Iraq. Later he served at an armament training camp and on the staff of the RAF College from March 1936.
In July 1938 he was appointed to the Directorate of Intelligence, Air Ministry. He was promoted Flight lieutenant in April 1936 and Squadron Leader on December 1st 1938.