War Graves & Remembrance Graves
Ystradgynlais
David Hughes
David Hughes appears on both the Ystalyfera War Memorial and on the Ystradgynlais War Memorial.
David Hughes enlisted in Ystradgynlais and served with the South Wales Borderers before being killed in France in April 1916.
The information on David Hughes 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 | David Hughes |
| Date of Death | 6th April 1916 |
| Place of Death | France |
| Age at Death | 30 |
| Unit and Regiment | South Wales Borderers; 2nd Bn. |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | 14762 |
| Additional Information | Enlisted Ystradgynlais |
| Cemetery | MESNIL RIDGE CEMETERY, MESNIL-MARTINSART - FRANCE; F. 6. |
| Local Memorials |
Ystradgynlais War Memorial Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | Son of John and Margaret Hughes of Kidwelly Carmarthenshire. Husband of Mary Emily Rise (formerly Hughes) of 20, Bryndulais Row, Seven Sisters. Neath. |
| Known Brothers | |
| Known Sisters |
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David Hughes To the left is a photograph of the grave at Mesnil Ridge cemetery, France, photograph courtesy of Steve John of the Carmarthenshire War Memorials' website. |
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 19th June 1915:-
Private David Hughes who as we have reported was wounded at the front recently and who after a brief stay at Bristol Hospital came home to recuperate returned to military duties on Monday. He had a hearty send off by his friends among whom he was very popular.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 3rd July 1915:-
Private Hughes who recently left Ystalyfera after a brief rest from wounds sustained at the front to return to his regiment, underwent a medical examination as a result of which it was found that a bullet remained in his wrist and had to be removed at once. He has now returned to Ystalyfera for a further rest.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 22nd April 1916 :-
YSTALYFERA SOLDIER KILLED in ACTION
Mrs. Hughes, of Lower Wern Road, has received the sad notification from the War Office that her husband, Private David Hughes, was killed in action, in France, on 6th April. Private Hughes, who was a reservist, had served with the Expeditionary Army in Flanders and took part in all the hard fought battles at the beginning of the war and was wounded twice and invalided home. Previous to the outbreak of war Private Hughes was employed at the Yniscedwyn Tinplate Works, was well known in local sporting circles and often assisted Ystalyfera team as a forward. He was a native of Kidwelly.
Deep sympathy is felt with the young widow and her four children.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 27th April 1918 :-
Page 2
“Our readers will well remember the death in action two years ago to this month of Private David Hughes, of the South Wales Borderers, whose home was at Lower Wern Road (Ystalyfera) and who was generally known as “Dai Kidwelly”. It is of interest, although sad to note that another brother, Private Willie Hughes, Kidwelly, made the supreme sacrifice April 12 months ago, whilst another brother died this month at Cardiff hospital in the person of Private Sam Hughes, after having been under treatment for two years and seven months for wounds received in Gallipoli. He had undergone 25 operations. The three brothers leave 12 children, Sam leaving two, Willie six and David four.”
David Hughes 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.