Wilfred Cecil Morgan

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Wilfred Cecil Morgan

The second airman to be buried at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapelyard was Aircraftman 2^nd Class Wilfred Cecil Morgan. He served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Family Background

Owen Morgan and  Minnie Jones
marriage certificate 
St. Paul's Mission Church, Landore

Wilfred was born in 1921, the youngest child of Owen Morgan and Minnie Morgan (née Jones). His parents had married on 2^nd December 1900 at St. Paul’s Mission Church, Landore.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records Owen, then 31, working as an upholsterer, and Minnie, 29, keeping house at 1 Hopkins Row, Swansea. Their children at that time were Herbert Clifford (10), Lily May (7), Alfred Thomas (5), Owen Ernest (3), and Victor Hugh (1).

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family was still living at 1 Hopkins Row. Owen, 40, was self-employed as an upholsterer, while Minnie, 39, managed the home. The children had grown: Herbert Clifford, 20, was an upholsterer though unemployed; Lily May, 17, helped at home; Alfred Thomas, 15, was an errand boy but also unemployed. Owen Ernest (13), Victor Hugh (11), Minnie Gladys (9), Gwilym John (7), Arthur Gwyn (2), and baby Wilfred Cecil (3 months) completed the household.

Early Life

South Wales Daily Post

Wilfred was a pupil at Alexandra Road Sunday School, where he was commended in the West Glamorgan Presbytery Scripture examinations, as reported in the South Wales Daily Post in 1933 and 1935. Outside of school, he was a keen sportsman, playing rugby for the Swansea Barbarians and earlier for the schoolboy teams.

Military Service

Wilfred joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in October 1940, after passing a demanding medical examination. His enlistment came only weeks before his untimely death.

Death and Burial

South Wales Daily Post

In October 1940, Wilfred was admitted to the Royal Air Hospital, Lancashire, suffering from acute appendicitis. Despite surgery, he developed peritonitis and died on 29^th October 1940, at the age of 19.

Wilfred Cecil Morgan
Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapel
credit - findagrave

His body was returned to Swansea, and he was buried at Bethel Welsh Congregational Chapelyard. His grave does not bear a military headstone.

Legacy

Wilfred’s death was not the result of enemy action but of sudden illness, a reminder that the toll of war was felt in many forms. A talented young man with strong ties to both faith and sport, his loss was deeply felt by his family and community. Though his service was brief, his inclusion in the roll of remembrance at Bethel ensures that his name and sacrifice endure.