The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Thomas Islwyn Elias served in the Royal Air Force and was taken prisoner in the Far East by the Japanese. He died in captivity in November 1943.

Although he is on the Ystradgynlais War Memorial as T J Elias his name is actually T I Elias, as Thomas Islwyn.

The information on Thomas Islwyn Elias 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, 5th February 1944 :-

ABERCRAVE DIED AMONGST JAPANESE
Deep gloom was felt in Abercrave on Wednesday when the tragic news was received that LAC Islwyn Elias, youngest son of Mr. Gwilym Elias and the late Mrs. Elias, Ael y bryn, Station Road, had passed away. Since the fall of Singapore he had been a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, and during Christmas time his relatives received a communication from him that he was safe and well. Islwyn was a very genial and popular young man and won the esteem of all who came in contact with him. He received his education at Maes y Dderwen and he later proceeded to London where he was on the clerical staff of a well-known industrial concern. He joined the RAF soon after the outbreak of hostilities. All his friends through out the district join in extending to his wife, Mrs. Megan Elias, his father, his sisters and brother the deep sympathy of the entire neighbourhood in their sad bereavement.