Pte Moses Phipps: Well Known Pontycymmer Footballer Killed In Action.
‘Much sympathy is felt throughout the Garw with Mrs. Mary Ann Phipps, of 8 Gwaun Bant, Pontycymmer. With the sad news that her son Pte 16771 Moses Phipps, D.C.L.I. was dead. Pte Phipps was a haulier with the Ffaldau Colliery, and at the outbreak of the war enlisted in the Welsh (10th Rhondda)Regiment, but owing to a sprained ankle was discharged. After being home a week he re-enlisted in the D.C.L.I. He left for France on the 30th of April this year, and had only experienced 13 days of fighting in the trenches, when he met his death.
Pte Phipps was very well known in football circles, being a pivotal player in the Garw United Associated Football team, and he figured strongly in his regimental team as well.
His widowed mother, when interviewed, was much distressed, and remarked that “she had lost her main support, as the deceased was a good son giving her all his earnings, and that he was a reliable and regular worker.”
Mrs Phipps has had much trouble in her life, having buried her husband six years ago, and another son eight months ago (aged 23). Besides the son now killed in action, Mrs Phipps has two other sons and a son-in-law serving with the colours, and four little children still at home, the eldest being twelve years of age.’
Moses was my grandfather John brother , would love any information on his footballing days