The Fallen of World War One
Believed to be Rees Howells, as the date of the issue of The Cambrian Daily Leader is 16th April 1918; we believe they accidentally misnamed him.
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Val Trevallion
Rees Howells
Rees Howells was a native of Penycae and served with the Border Regiment on the Western Front, where he was killed in action in 1917.
The information on Rees Howells 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 | Rees Howells |
| Date of Death | 10th July 1917 |
| Place of Death | Flanders |
| Age at Death | 28 |
| Unit and Regiment | Border Regiment; 11th Bn. |
| Rank | Private |
| Service Number | 28681 |
| Additional Information | He worked at Abercrave and Onllwyn collieries prior to enlistment |
| Memorial | NIEUPORT MEMORIAL - BELGIUM |
| Local Memorials | Ystradgynlais War Memorial |
| Family Details | Son of Thomas and Gwen Howells of 2, Gwalia Villas, Penycae, Swansea Valley |
| Known Brothers | Edward Howells Tommy Howells John Howells |
| Known Sisters |
Rees Howells 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.
From The Labour Voice 26th May 1917:-
Another local lad who paid a visit to his parents prior to going on active service was Private Rees Howells, King’s Regiment. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Howells Gwalia Villa
From The Labour Voice 1st September 1917:-
ABERCRAVE MISSING
Mr and Mrs Thomas Howells of Gwalia Villas have received official notification from the War Office that their son Private Rees Howells, of the South Wales Borderers, is missing. Three more sons, Privates Edward, Tommy, and John Howells, of the South Wales Borderers, are serving with the Colours-the first two in Flanders, and the latter in Salonika.
From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 11th April 1918 :-
WORSE FEARS REALISED
Official news reached Abercrave on Thursday morning, that Private Rees Howells, Kings Own Rifles, has been killed in action. He was about 29 years of age and lived at Gwalia Villas Abercrave. He worked at Abercrave and Onllwyn collieries prior to enlistment.
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 27th April 1918 :-
ABERCRAVE KILLED IN ACTION
Official intimation has reached Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Howells, Gwalia Villa that their son Private Rees Howells of the South Wales Borderers, who has been missing for some months past, is now reported killed. Great sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents in their loss.
Three other sons are serving with the colours – Privates Tommy and Edward Howells in Flanders and Private John Howells in Salonika.