The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

William Lewis, known as Willie, from Penycae is on the Ystradgynlais War Memorial. He died at Aden in July 1915. He took part in the Aden Movable Column but the hot and arid conditions took a heavy toll on the young troops and a number succumbed to heat stroke on the march. Willie was among those to suffer such a tragic end, dying of heat apoplexy on 10 July 1915, aged 19.

The information on William Lewis 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).

The Labour Voice newspaper for the 17th July 1915 reported the death of Private Lewis:-

ABERCRAVE AND COLBREN
Quite a gloom was cast over this district when the sad news of the death of Private Willie Lewis, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ponrhydarw Farm, Penycae, who was on active service at Aden, came to hand during the weekend. Private Lewis, who was attached to "H" Company of the 1st Brecknock Battalion, went to Aden last November and since that time cheerful letters from him have been received saying he was well and happy. Only last Saturday, a few hours prior to receiving the cable bearing the sad news, one of these letters came to hand and this assured his parents all was well. On Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were notified by the War Office that he was missing. Much sympathy is felt with the relatives in their sad bereavement. Private Lewis has a brother serving in the Welsh Guards.