The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

David Oswald Thomas was born in Ystradgynlais and served with the Gloucestershire regiment on the Western Front. He was killed in action in France in June 1918.

The information on David Oswald Thomas 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).

	David Oswald Thomas To the left is the remembrance grave in Ty-ny-Coed Congregational Chapel
	Grave inscription:- Lance Corporal Killed in action in France. His duty done For God, King for Country

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

ABERCRAVE HOME ON LEAVE
Private Oswald Thomas South Wales Borderers, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas Nantcae'refail, visited his home last week looking in good condition. He left on Monday to rejoin his regiment, which leaves for Ireland soon.

From the Labour Voice newspaper,22nd June 1918 :-

ABERCRAVE
Another of the Abercrave boys has made the supreme sacrifice. The sad news reached Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, Nantcae'refail, that their eldest son, Corporal D. Oswald Thomas, was killed by a shell some distance, away from the line. Before joining the colours he was at Lampeter College studying for the church. Great sympathy is felt with the bereaved family.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 13th July 1918 :-

Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas and family Nantcae'refail Penycae wish to thank their neighbours and friends for kindness shown them and letters of sympathy received in the loss of their dear son Oswald, killed in action on June 5th last in France.

David Oswald Thomas 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.