David Eynon Powell – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Aircraftman 2nd Class David Eynon Powell – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Early Life and Family Background

David Eynon Powell was born in 1909, at Gorseinon, Glamorgan, the son of Daniel Powell and Mary Jane Hughes, who had married in 1905 at Swansea.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Powell family were living at 35 Lime Street, Gorseinon. Daniel, aged 29, born in Carmarthenshire, worked as an Electrician, while Mary Jane, aged 30, managed the home. Their children were Eleanor Valmai (5), David Eynon (2), and Sarah Euronwy (1).

The Family in 1921

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family had moved to 37 Park View, Gorseinon. Daniel, now 39, was employed as an Electrical Engineer at the Grovesend Steel & Tinplate Co. Ltd, while Mary Jane, aged 40, continued her household duties. Their children—Eleanor V. (15), David E. (12), S. Euronwy (11), J. Moelwyn (9), M. Muriel (7), and J. W. J. (4)—were all recorded as attending school, reflecting a growing family rooted in the industrial life of Gorseinon.

1939 Register

Marriage and Working Life

In 1933, David married Catherine Ada Beynon at Swansea.

By the 1939 Register, David and Catherine were living at 31 Treharne Road, Maesteg, Glamorgan. David was employed as a School Elementary Handicrafts Instructor, while Catherine undertook the household duties. Their children, David B. and Martin E., were also present in the home.

Service in the Second World War

During the Second World War, David Eynon Powell served as an Aircraftman 2nd Class with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. His posting was at RAF Bolton, Lancashire, one of the many wartime stations involved in training, maintenance, and support operations essential to the RAF’s wider war effort.

David Eynon Powell 
Kingsbridge Cemetery credit - findaagrave

Death and Burial

David died on 25 February 1942, at Farnworth, Lancashire, while serving with the RAFVR. His body was brought home to Wales, where he was laid to rest at Kingsbridge Cemetery, returning him to the community from which he had come.