Llewellyn Owen

Corporal Llewellyn Owen – Army Catering Corps

The V1 Campaign

On 13^th June 1944, the Germans launched their V1 flying bomb campaign, unleashing what became known as the “Doodlebugs.” During that first month alone, some 1,500 bombs struck across southern England, with Kent bearing the brunt of the attacks. The RAF, anti-aircraft gunners, and balloon handlers worked tirelessly to intercept the bombs and reduce their devastating impact on the ground.

Among those injured in the bombing was Corporal Llewellyn Owen.

Early Life

Llewellyn Owen was born in 1910, the son of Edward Thomas Owen and Rebecca Evans.

1911 Census

At the time of the 1911 Census, the family was living at 120 Colorado Terrace, Pentrechwyth. Edward, aged 32, was working as a miller, while Rebecca, aged 30, cared for their young family. Their children were Mary Violet (8), Edward Thomas (7), William Griffin (5), Trevor (2), and baby Llewellyn (11 months).

In 1918, tragedy struck when Edward Thomas Owen died. He was buried at Cwmgelly Cemetery.

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, Rebecca, then a 40-year-old widow, was living at 91 Foxhole Road with her children. Thomas Edward, aged 18, was employed as a general labourer. Trevor was 13, Eleanor Jane was 10, Llewellyn was 11, Gillian was 7, Eva was 5, and the youngest, Joan Edwina, was just 2 years old.

Marriage

Llewellyn Owen and Phyllis Davies
marriage certificate
St. Thomas church

In April 1933, at St. Thomas Church, Llewellyn Owen married Phyllis Davies.

Military Service

Although Llewellyn does not appear on the 1939 Register, records confirm that he enlisted in the army in 1941. He served as a Corporal in the Army Catering Corps, attached to the Royal Army Service Corps, providing vital support to troops during the Second World War.

Death

 South Wales Daily Post

Corporal Llewellyn Owen died on 3^rd July 1944 during the German V1 bombing campaign. His passing was reported in the South Wales Daily Post, which published an article on his service and death, commemorating his sacrifice as part of Swansea’s contribution to the war.

Burial

Llewellyn Owen 
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Following his death, Corporal Llewellyn Owen was laid to rest at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea. His grave stands among those of fellow servicemen and women, a lasting reminder of the price paid by ordinary families during the conflict.

Legacy

Corporal Llewellyn Owen is remembered as a son, husband, and soldier who served with dedication in the Army Catering Corps. His life and sacrifice form part of Swansea’s wartime story, linking his family’s struggles with the wider history of a community that endured great loss during the Second World War.