The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

William Edwards was formerly a miner, before serving as a stretcher bearer with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on the Western Front. He died in France of pneumonia.

The information on William Edwards 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, 10th March 1917:-

Intimation has reached Upper Cwmtwrch that stretcher bearer William L Edwards, who is attached to the South Wales Borderers, has been wounded in the head and leg by shrapnel. This is the second time for him to be wounded. Prior to enlistment he was popular in musical circles at Upper Cwmtwrch.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 8th November 1919:-

In Loving Remembrance of Stretcher Bearer William L. Edwards, A.C., Cwmtwrch, who died from pneumonia, in France, Oct. 31st, 1918, whilst serving his king and country.

From the Cambrian Daily Leader newspaper, 8th November 1918 :-

Official news has been received at Upper Cwmtwrch that Private William L Edwards A O C has died of pneumonia. He was about 44 years of age and prior to enlistment at the outbreak of the war was employed at Gilwen Colliery; He was well known in local musical circles and was a brother of Mr D L Edwards A V C M Cwmllynfell. He leaves a widow and three young children.

From the Llais Llafur, 9th November 1918 :-

Mrs Edwards Upper Cwmtwrch has been informed that her husband, stretcher bearer William Edwards, of the R A M C has died at a French Hospital as the result of an attack of influenza. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Edwards in her sad bereavement.

From the Llais Llafur, 8th November 1919:-

In Loving Remembrance of Stretcher Bearer William L Edwards, A.C., Cwmtwrch, who died from pneumonia, in France, 31st October 1918, whilst serving his king and country.