Lives of the First World War

known 4th March 1916

Labour Voice: The following letter has been received from Signaller R. A. Phillips of Ystradgynlais at present in action in France with the 14th Welsh regiment (Swansea Battalion). To the Editor Sir, Will you kindly allow me a small space in your paper to perform a very sad duty as a comrade to the late Private R. Morgans. He was a native of Colbren, but had resided for a number of years with Mr. T. Thomas, Miners Arms, and I desire to inform his many friends, that he was killed in Action on February 21st. His death was instantaneous, and he suffered no pain, and that is our only consolation. Morgan and I were pals in civil life at Ystradgynlais, and in November, 1914, we joined the Swansea Battalion together were billetted together in Rhyl, and came to France together. We were even together when we were back having a rest from the trenches, so you will understand how his death has affected me. I feel as if I had lost my best friend, and I wish to extend my deep sympathy to all his relatives. I am glad to say the rest of the Ystradgynlais boys in this battalion are all safe so far. We are having a rough time just now it is snowing by day and freezing by night Fancy two inches of ice in a shell hole to have a morning dip! The boys all wish to be remembered to the friends at home.

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