Danygraig Cemetery Mystery

The Commonwealth War Grave Commission do sterling work, tending to graves of service men/women who have been either been killed due to action or died resulting from injuries.  These cemeteries can be found world wide.

On the Commonwealth War Grave Commission website, request have been placed for relative of any men/women, whose grave have not been represented with a military headstone.  Recently there was said request for any families for an Swansea men.

A 'new' headstone was erected at the grave of G. H. Downer.

Company Serjeant Major G[eorge] H[enry] Downer, died 24th February 1919.  Aged 60.  He served with the Royal Garrison Artillery.

His Attestation Papers, show that Downer, signed up on the 1st October 1914, aged 56.  Signing up for the duration of the war.

He has previously served with the Royal Garrison Artillery for a 25 years and 172 days.

G. H. Downer
Attestation Papers

Everything would seem to be in place, however, this is where is becomes a little of a mystery.

The 1911 Census reveals really interesting information.

1911 Census
2nd April 1911

George, aged 52 who was born Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, 1859.  His occupation is listed an Army Pensioner, Labour Safety Fire Works.

He is residing at 29 Alexandra Terrace, Brynmill, with his wife and 5 children.

His army record shows that he served at the Second Anglo-Afghan War, 1878 - 1882, where he was awarded the Afghanistan Medal.

 Afghanistan Medal

George went on to serve during the Third Burmese War 1885 - 1887, with the 7th (Mountain) Battery 1st Brigade Northern Division, R.A.

31st March 1890, George married at Simla, Bengal, India Agnes Emily Dyer.

Quite impressive action and bravery, The army concerns in 1914, was that George had a Hammer Toe and Bad Teeth!






4th March 1919, the Cambria Daily Leader publish an article entitled "Hallelujah Band", the article states that Company-Sergt-Major Downer was buried at Sketty.  Was this a simple mistake made by the newspaper!

Cambria Daily Leader
4th March 1919