The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Llewellyn Jeffreys Rhys Lewis served in the Royal Fusliers and was killed in action in Italy in January 1944.

Llewellyn's brother Alun Gwyn Lewis also fell in action and is remembered on the memorial.

The information on Llewellyn Jeffreys Rhys Lewis 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).

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 4th March 1944 :-

COLBREN YOUNG SOLDIER KILLED IN ITALY
The villagers of Colbren heard recently the sad news that another of her esteemed and popular young men had made the supreme sacrifice. The War Office communication containing the sad news reached Mr. and Mrs. David Lewis, Aelybryn that their son Private Llewelyn Lewis had been killed in action in Italy. Llewelyn who was only 21 years old, was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. He was attached to the R W P and, prior to joining up was on the staff of the Colbren branch of the Co-operative Society.

The tragedy has been made more poignant by the fact that about a year ago, the regrettable news was received that his brother, Flight Sergeant Alun Lewis, had been reported missing after an operational flight. Both young lads were very active and full of vigour, and their pals in the village will keenly miss their cheerful personalities. Both were pupils of Colbren School and Alun was a student of Maesydderwen before joining the RAF, and promising careers for both were anticipated. They were members of Moriah Church, a cause to which they were greatly attached...