Graham William Pow

Volunteer Graham William Pow – 12^th Glamorganshire (Swansea) Battalion, Home Guard

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) records Volunteer Graham William Pow as the only victim of the Three Nights’ Blitz to be buried at Oystermouth Cemetery, Swansea. The CWGC database also lists the 357 Swansea civilians who lost their lives during the various bombing raids on the city throughout the Second World War.

World War II Civilian Deaths, 1939–1945

According to the World War II Civilian Deaths, 1939–1945, Graham William Pow was born in 1922 in Swansea, the son of William Pow and Ethel Mary McKay. The family lived at 13 Gwydr Crescent, and Graham worked locally as an electrician.

During the war, he served with the Home Guard, 12^th Glamorganshire (Swansea) Battalion, which played a vital role in defending the city’s strategic sites and supporting emergency services during air raids. The battalion was formed in 1940 from the Local Defence Volunteers and was made up of men from all walks of life — ex-servicemen, tradesmen, and young volunteers — united in their determination to defend Swansea. Their duties included guarding key installations such as docks, railways, and factories, and manning coastal defences around Mumbles, West Cross, and Blackpill. During the Three Nights’ Blitz of February 1941, members of the 12th Battalion were heavily involved in firefighting, rescue operations, and maintaining public order amid the devastation. Their courage and commitment became a lasting symbol of Swansea’s resilience, and it was within this unit that Volunteer Graham W. Pow served and ultimately gave his life.

Registers of Civilian Deaths Due to War Operations

Graham William Pow
Oystermouth Cemetery
credit - findagrave

According to the Registers of Civilian Deaths Due to War Operations, on the night of 21^st February 1941, during the devastating Swansea Blitz, Volunteer Graham William Pow lost his life at Alexander Road. His body was not recovered until 24^th February, when it was taken to the city mortuary. He was laid to rest at Oystermouth Cemetery on 29^th February 1941.

The Three Nights’ Blitz – February 1941

The Three Nights’ Blitz was one of the most destructive air raids ever to strike Wales. Between 19^th and 21^st February 1941, the German Luftwaffe launched sustained bombing attacks on Swansea, targeting its docks, oil refinery, railway lines, and industrial areas. Much of the city centre was destroyed, and hundreds of homes were reduced to rubble. Fires raged for days, and entire streets were left unrecognisable.

By the end of the raids, 230 high-explosive bombs and over 1,000 incendiaries had fallen on the city. 357 civilians were killed, and more than 11,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed. The bravery of local emergency workers, Home Guard volunteers, and civilians prevented even greater loss of life amid the chaos and destruction.

Volunteer Graham William Pow is remembered for his service and sacrifice during one of Swansea’s darkest chapters — a young man who stood with his community in its hour of need and whose courage endures as part of the city’s wartime history.