William Glyn Parry – Royal Air Force, 105 Squadron

Corporal William Glyn Parry – Royal Air Force, 105 Squadron

Early Life and Family Background

Nathaniel Parry and Elizabeth Jones marriage certificate St John‑juxta‑Swansea

William Glyn Parry was born in 1915 in Swansea, the son of Nathaniel Parry and Elizabeth Jones, who married in 1916 at St John‑juxta‑Swansea. His childhood unfolded in the industrial neighbourhoods of the city, where copper works, tinplate, and engineering trades shaped everyday life.

1921 Census – Watkins Street, Swansea

1921 Census

The 1921 Census records the Parry family living at 8 Watkins Street, Swansea. Nathaniel, aged 27, was employed as a Shearer Copper Worker by Vivian & Son Ltd, one of Swansea’s major copper firms. His wife, Elizabeth, aged 25, kept the home. Their son William Glyn, aged 5, was the only child present. Also living with them was Elizabeth’s sister, Katie Jones, aged 23. The census reflects a young family in the early post‑war years, with William just beginning his school‑age life in the city’s industrial heart.

Marriage

In 1941, William married Doris D. Lee in Swansea, establishing a home of his own shortly before his wartime service intensified.

William Glyn Parry
Cwmgelli Cemetery, Swansea
credit - findagrave

Second World War Service

William served as a Corporal in the Royal Air Force, attached to 105 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, Norfolk. During this period, 105 Squadron operated in high‑risk roles, including low‑level daylight bombing and precision operations — duties that placed aircrew under constant danger.

Death and Burial

William Glyn Parry died on 28 September 1943 at Ystradgynlais. His body was brought home to Swansea and laid to rest at Cwmgelli Cemetery, where he is remembered among the city’s Second World War dead.