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PTE: BEVAN, SAMUEL

Samuel Bevan, born about 1876 in Neath, Glamorgan. 

Parents: Richard, a Coal Miner, age 26, born in Llantwit Par, Glamorgan and Mary A. Bevan age 25, born in Cadoxton, Neath, Glamorgan.  Daughter: Magdalene age 2, Sons: James, a Scholar, age 6 and Samuel age 4.  They lived at 65 Llantwit Road, Neath, Glamorgan.1

Parents: Richard, a Licensed victualler (Pub) age 36, Mary Ann Bevan age 35. Daughter: Margaret age 13, Sons: James Rees, a Coal Miner, age 17, Samuel, Coal Miner, age 15, William John age 5 and Richard age 3. They lived at The Pemydsu? (Farmers Arms), nest to 65 Llantwit road, Neath. All of them spoke Welsh and English.2

Samuel (Head), a Coal Miner Hewer, Neath age 35 and Ann Bevan age 37, married 12 years. They lived at Westermoor Cottages Kimla, Neath and both spoke Welsh and English.3

Wife of Ann Bevan, 6 Garden City, Fforestfach, Swansea.  Served with the South Wales Borderers 1st Battalion, service number (15390).  Died age 42, 10th June 1916. Grave reference V. E. 13. Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.4, 5 & 6

“FFORESTFACH
Private Samuel Bevan arrived home on Friday evening for a short leave of absence.  He was met at High street Station by the following members of the local reception committee: - P.S. Taylor, Messrs. Ben Jones (overseer), T. Andrews and W. Clement, and conveyed home. Pte, Bevan is a married man, and resides at Ystrad road.”7

“FFORESTFACH MAN'S DEATH.
 Mrs. Bevan, 2, Prim rose-terrace, Ystrad road, Fforestfach, has received a letter from R. Gillenders, Church of England Chaplain to H.M. Forces, stating that her husband, Pte. Samuel Bevan, South Wales Borderers, has died of wounds received in action. The letter from the chaplain is as follows:—" I am writing to let you know that Pte. S. Bevan (15390) of the South Wales Borderers, was wounded in the abdomen. He was seriously wounded, and little hope was entertained for his recovery from the beginning. Everything possible was done for him from the time he came in, on the 10th, by the doctors and nurses, but all in vain. He passed peacefully to rest on the 10th. He sent you his love, and said you were not to fret for him. He was buried in Bethune Cemetery on the 11th inst." Prior to enlistment, about 18 months 11 ago, he was employed at the Garn Goch Colliery. He leaves a widow and one daughter to mourn their Ioss.”8

DEATH OF FFORESTFACH SOLDIER.

 News has been received from the War Office of the death of Private Sam Bevan, South Wales Borderers. He took part in the recent fighting in France and was wounded. Unfortunately he did not long survive his wounds. Private Bevan was only a few. months ago home on leave, when he was a recipient of a presentation at Fforestfach, made by the residents. He resided at Ystrad road and was very popular in the neighbourbood. Able Seaman John Eva ns, who took part in the recent naval battle and who resides at Ystrad road and got off with out a scratch has arrived home on short leave.  He has several brothers with the colours.8a

“FFORESTFACH FALLEN HERO
Private Samuel Bevan, South Wales Borderers, succumbed on the 10 inst., in consequence of serious abdomen wounds received in action.  Aged 42, he joined the colours 18 months ago, and was at the front for thirteen months. Previous to enlisting, he was employed at Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon, the manager of which has forwarded a letter of sympathy to the widow, Mrs. Bevan, 2, Primrose terrace, Ystrad road.  About two months ago, Private Bevan was home on leave, when he was given a public reception.”9

“FFORESTFACH SOLDIER DIES.
Mrs. A. Bevan, Ystrad-road, Fforestfach, has received an official communication, informing her that her late husband, Pte. Samuel Bevan, South Wales Borderers, had had a reverent and proper burial according to the rites of his religion. She also received the following letter from the captain of the company May I take this opportunity of saying that all ranks very much regret the loss of your late husband, who was wounded in doing his duty, and we all hoped he would have recovered. His platoon officer, who is now unfortunately wounded, had a very high opinion of him, which I can fully endorse. The officers of the company offer you their deepest sympathy."10

Medals: Victory, British & Star.11

SOURCE
1 1881 Census Wales
2 1891 Census Wales
3 1911 Census Wales
4 Commonwealth War Graves Commission
5 Forces War Records 07.03.2014
6 UK WW1 Service Medal and Award Rolls 1914-20
7 Herald of Wales 15.04.1916
8 Cambrian Daily Leader 16.06.1916
8a South Wales Weekly Post 17.06.1916
9 Cambrian Daily Leader 20.06.1916
10 Cambrian Daily Leader 08.09.1916
11 British Army WW1 Medals Rolls Index 1914-1920