Aneurin Rees Lewis – Pioneer Corps

Private Aneurin Rees Lewis – Pioneer Corps

Early Life and Family Background

John Ellis Lewis and Margaret Ann Shaddick marriage certificate St John‑juxta‑Swansea

Aneurin Rees Lewis was born in 1904 in Swansea, the son of John Ellis Lewis and Margaret Ann Shaddick, who married in 1885 at St John‑juxta‑Swansea.

1911 Census

His early childhood is recorded in the 1911 Census, which shows the Lewis family living at 11 Wern Pit Road, Landore, Swansea. John, aged 46 and born in Carmarthenshire, was employed as a general labourer, while Margaret Ann, aged 44, managed the home. Their children were John Osborne (19), a general labourer at the steel works; David Francis (14); William Stanley (11); and Aneurin Rees (7) — the younger three all attending school.

Census 1921

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the Lewis family had moved to 7 Wern Road, Landore, Swansea. John Ellis, now 55, was working in road making for Swansea Corporation, and Margaret, aged 52, continued household duties. Only two children remained at home: Aneurin (16), listed as Defence Corps Army, out of work, and Clifford (9), still in school.

Marriage

In 1930, Aneurin married Lizzie M. Rees at Pontardawe, marking the beginning of his own family life.

Military Service – Pioneer Corps

Aneurin served as a Private in the Pioneer Corps, a vital wartime unit responsible for labour, construction, transport, and logistical support across Britain. His service placed him among the thousands of men whose work underpinned the daily functioning of the Army during the Second World War.

The Accident

Aneurin’s death occurred following a tragic accident. In the early hours of Friday morning, while moving about his home in darkness at Rhodfa’r Brain, Fforestfach, he fell down the stairs, sustaining severe injuries. He was taken to Swansea Hospital, where he later died on 29 June 1942. The suddenness of the accident made his passing particularly distressing for his family and neighbours.

Herald of Wales

Newspaper Report

The Herald of Wales reported the incident under the headline “Death After Fall Down Stairs.” The article noted his service with the Pioneer Corps, his standing in the Fforestfach community, and the shock felt locally at the unexpected loss. Aneurin’s death was one of the quieter, often overlooked tragedies that occurred far from the front lines during the war years.

Burial

Aneurin Rees Lewis was brought home for burial at St Peter’s, where he is remembered as a serviceman, a family man, and a member of the Fforestfach community whose life ended far too soon.