John Collins

 

John Collins
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Some of the war casualties that are buried at Danygraig Cemetery, were originally commemorated on their own family headstones.  Over time, sadly, the inscriptions have worn away and illegible, that the Commonwealth War Grave Commissions, who carry out surveys to establish if the military headstones need replacing or cleared, and if personal headstones have stood the test of time.  If they don’t, then the Commission, will place a memorial tablet with the casualties’ details.  Not all the headstones will have the complete information.

This is the case of Gunner John Collins, who served with the Royal Artillery, who died July 1940

John was born in 1919, Swansea.  He was the son of John Collins and Gwladys Lewis.

At the time of the 1921 Census, John, aged 2 was living at his parents’ home, 48 Dyfatty Street.

1921 Census

John, 26, was employed as a Fire Wood Merchant, whilst Gladys, 23.

Their two sons were, John Jr., aged 2 and 10-month-old Ronald Jr.

Also present at the property were retiree William Lews, 86, grandfather of Gladys, also, Mary E. Collins, John’s mother.