The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Sidney Neale Marsden from Cwmtwrch served with the South Wales Borderers on the Western Front and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was killed in action in October 1915 whilst on a working party at Gorre.

The War Memorial lists him as J Marsden, but both the newspaper and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records him as Sidney Neale Marsden. It is possible that he had the by-name 'Jack' which was not always applied to those names John.

The information on Sidney Neale Marsden 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).

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 13th November 1915:-

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With deep regret we have this week to record the death in action, of a well-known and popular local soldier, who was also much respected in the district. We refer to Sergeant Sidney Marsden who was in the South Wales Borderers, joining soon after the outbreak of war, and whose home was at Gilwen Cottage, Lower Cwmtwrch. Deceased had been out for some time at the front and had been previously wounded, coming home for a few days to recuperate at the time. On Monday, however, the bereaved widow had a letter from her husband's lieutenant, posted on Friday, announcing Sergeant Marsden’s death, and expressing great regret. The widow and three children are left. Deceased came to this district from England several years ago, formerly being employed at Blaencwm Colliery and more recently at Ystradgynlais.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 25th December 1915:-

Mrs Marsden of Gilwen Cottage Lower Cwmtwrch, widow of the late Sergeant S N Marsden, who was killed in action recently in France, wishes to thank the inhabitants of the neighbourhood for the ready response made to the appeal on her behalf, for which she feels deeply grateful. She also desires to express her gratitude especially to Miss Aaron and Miss Owen, who kindly undertook the work of collecting.

Sidney Marsden was one of 14 men of Cwmtwrch remembered at a memorial service held in February 1919. The write-up in the Llais described his service thus:-

Sergeant Marsden. Enlisted at outbreak of war and fell in action in France