The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Henry Hasell served with the Welsh Regiment on the Western Front and was killed in the fighting at Mametz Wood in August 1916.

On the War Memorial his name is spelt incorrectly as H Hazel, but all official sources, and the newspaper reproduced below, spell it Hasell. The census for 1901 records him as Harry Hasell, born and still living in Clutton, Somerset.

Private Henry Hasell was one of several Ystradgynlais men featured in a section of the newsreel film on the Battle of the Somme.

The information on Henry Hasell 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).

	Henry Hasell To the left is a photograph of the newspaper article (reproduced below) about Private Hasell's death, including a photograph of him.

From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 26th August 1916:-

News has been received at Ystradgynlais that Private Harry Hasell of the Welsh Regiment, son of Mrs Hasell, has been killed in action. He joined in January 1915 and left for France with his regiment last November. The Rev R O Lloyd Church of England Chaplain, in a letter to Mrs Hasell says:
"It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to you in this, your hour of sorrow. The news of your dear son's death must come to you as a big blow and in your bereavement you have the sympathy of us all. Your son had no suffering, for the bullet penetrated some vital organ. I buried the body behind the firing line and a cross will be put to mark his resting place".

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 21st October 1916 :-

FALLEN YSTRADGYNLAIS HERO
Pte. HY. HASELL'S DEATH
Further information as to the manner in which Pte. Henry Hasell, of the Swansea Battalion, met his untimely death are to hand, and particulars have been given by the captain of the company in which young Hassell served. The following letter was sent by Captain Milbourne Williams, of the 11th and 14th Welsh:
"I was sorry to see in the paper that your son was killed in the attack on Mametz Wood on July 10th and would like to offer you my sincerest sympathy. I was in charge of the company in which your son was on that date, and you have no doubt heard how well our men advanced against a very strong position. I saw your son after I was wounded, as he helped to bandage my wounds and until I saw the announcement of his death in the paper, I had hoped he might have come through safely. If you require any information, or if I can do anything for you, please let me know."
The parents have also received a very sympathetic letter from Captain R.O. Lloyd, C.F. (Church of England chaplain) who says that he had himself buried the body behind the British lines, and a cross was erected over the grave. Pte. Hassell's death was instantaneous, as he was with a comrade at a listening post when he was killed by a bullet.
Pte. Hassell could be plainly distinguished in the Somme pictures at the local cinema last week. He was in the section depicting the Swansea Pals on parade.
Much sympathy is felt locally with the bereaved parents.

From the Llais Llafur newspaper, 18th August 1917:-

In loving remembrance of Private Harry Hazell, the dearly beloved son of Arthur and Sarah Hazell Ystradgynlais, who gave his life for home and freedom in France August 1916.

The deaths of Henry Hasell's brother Charles and his, Charles', wife Diana were also recorded in the Llais.

From the South Wales Voice 19th January 1930:-

PANTTEG MEMBER
FUNERAL

The burial took place at Godre'rgraig, of the late Mr Charles J Hasell of 2 Chemical Row Godre'rgraig. There was a large gathering of friends and neighbours. The Rev A Jones Pantteg officiated at the house and graveside.

The mourners were: Mrs Diana Hasell and Miss Grace Hasell widow and daughter; Mr and Mrs A Hasell father and mother; Ethel and Reggie sister and brother; cousin Albert Aberavon; Mr G Jones brother in law; Misses Dinah and Amy Jones; Messrs Lewis and Ayron Jones nieces and nephews; Mrs T Charles sister in law; Mr and Mrs D E Bufton Crynant brother in law and sister in law; Mr and Mrs J Williams brother in law and sister in law; Mr J Williams brother in law; Mrs J Davies; Misses D G Bufton; D Williams and D Charles nieces; Messrs W Williams, D Charles, E Charles. L Charles and R Riby nephews; Mr E Williams uncle; Mrs Lewis and Mrs Levi aunts; Mr and Mrs Lewis, Mrs D Jenkins, Mr and Mrs Harries, Mrs Griffiths, Mrs James and Mrs Davies cousins.

From The Voice newspaper, 29th January 1970

MRS D HASELL YNYSMEUDWY

The funeral of Mrs Diana Hasell, of 27 Tanydarren Road Cilmaengwyn Ynysmeudwy, who died aged 81, took place at Godre'rgraig Cemetery; officiating minister being the Rev Eurof Jones of Pantteg.

Mrs Hasell, a native of Godre'rgraig, was the widow of Mr Charles Hasell. She was the last of a family of 10 all known in the locality as "The Penygraigs" having lived at Penygraig Farm Godre'rgraig. Mrs Hasell was a lifelong and devoted member of Pantteg Church.

Mourners at the funeral: Gilbert son in law; Rowland, Derrick and Michael grandsons; Lewis John Jones, Dai and Lewis Griffiths, Dai and Lynwood Williams, John Witt, Tommy Williams, Ron Riby, Cliff Cole, Wyndham Richards, Reg Carr, Raymond, Jim and Eddie Evans nephews.

Mourners at the house: Gracie daughter; Marlene, Mary and Margaret granddaughters; Dinah, Amy, Gwladys, Dinah Witt, Gwyneth, Diana, Brenda, Dinah, Gwen, Meg, Betty, Vi, Vera nieces;