The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Thomas Morgan, also known as Tommy, joined the South Wales Borderers and was killed in action in November 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross in November 1916.

Thomas Morgan is not to be confused with Thomas John Morgan, listed under Colbren, on the Ystradgynlais Memorial.

The information on Thomas Morgan 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, 12th December 1914:-

OFF TO THE FRONT
Private Tom Morgan, who stayed with Mr and Mrs Jenkins Clydfan Station Road, a well known local hockey player and for some time captain of the men's team, is with the South Wales Borderers and was for some weeks at Brecon. Notification was received last Thursday however that he had journeyed to France and it is expected, is by now in the firing line. We wish him a safe and speedy return

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 4th November 1916:-

MILITARY CROSS FOR OLD ABERCRAVE “BOY”
The residents of Abercrave will be gratified to learn that Sergeant “Tommy” Morgan, who was resident in Abercrave for quite a long time prior to his enlistment in the South Wales Borderers, has gained the Military Cross for bravery in the field and will offer their sincere congratulations to him. He had been for 22 months at the front and has suffered all the hardships of the trenched.
He will be better remembered as one who took a keen interest in sporting circles and as Captain of the Abercrave Hockey Team and he was mainly responsible, by his hard work, for the success of the club. It is hoped that Tommy will be able to pay a visit to Abercrave sometime in the near future, so that his many friends may show their appreciation in a suitable manner.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 8th December 1917:-

MILITARY
We learn with great regret that Sergeant Tommy Morgan, South Wales Borderers, was killed in action on 10th November last. Sergeant Morgan was one of the most prominent athletes of the place and was very popular with a wide circle of friends. Prior to his enlistment he was employed at the International Colliery and resided with Mr and Mrs Jenkins Clydfan. It is but eight weeks since he visited the district looking as cheerful as ever. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his widowed mother, sister and brother, whose home is at Llandovery. His brother Private Dennis Morgan R. E. is at the front in Flanders.

From the Brecon And Radnor Express newspaper, 20th December 1917:-

Sergeant T Morgan S W B was killed in action on the 10th ult. Sergeant Morgan was a prominent athlete and prior to enlistment was employed at the International Colliery. His relatives reside at Llandovery

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 22nd December 1917:-

MEMORIAL SERVICE
At St. David’s Church on Sunday evening, the Rev. J. T. Davies conducted a memorial service in memory of Sergeant Tommy Morgan S.W.B. who fell in action on 10th November and Private Willie Hull of the Welsh Guards who was killed on 1st December. The Church was well filled and the service was very impressive throughout. Mr. Lewis Thomas, the organist, played 'The Dead March' at the close.

Thomas Morgan 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.