David Grenfell

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David Rhys Grenfell PC, CBE, LlD (June 16, 1881–November 21, 1968) was a Welsh Labour Party politician, born at Penyrheol, Gorseinon, Swansea, the son of William Grenfell and his wife Alice, the daughter of William Hopkins. He was educated at Penyrheol Board Elementary School and in 1893 at the age of 12 started work underground in the coal mines.

He attended night school to study Mining, Geology and Mathematics and in 1903 went to Nova Scotia to work with men of all nationalities, laying the foundation to his wide knowledge of languages. Whilst in Canada he passed his Under Managers Certificate and returned to Wales in 1905 where he obtained First Class Managers qualifications.

In December 1905 Grenfell married Beatrice Morgan, daughter of John Morgan of Gorseinon. They had one daughter, Eileen, who was unmarried.

He continued to work underground until 1916 when he was appointed the Miners Agent for the Western Region of the South Wales Area. He became active in the local Labour Party in 1916 and was adopted prospective candidate for the Gower constituency in 1920. He was elected Member of Parliament in the by-election in 1922 and held the seat until 1959.

"DR", as he was known, was a Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Betting, a Member of the Parliamentary Administration Committee, served on the Forestry Commission and the Royal Commission of Safety in Mines in 1936. He was Chairman of the Franco/British Parliamentary Party, for which he was later invested with the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. He acted as Chairman of the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party and in Winston Churchill's coalition Government during World War II he served as Secretary for Mines at the Board of Trade, 1940-42. From 1948-51, Grenfell was Chairman of the Welsh Tourist Holiday Board. In that capacity, it was a particular moment of pride when, in 1956, Gower was the first area of the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In 1951 Grenfell was sworn of the Privy Council and in 1953 until his retirement became "Father of the House". He held office in many local bodies and was made an Honorary Freeman of Swansea for his contribution to public service. A bust of him now stands in the Swansea Guildhall.

David Rhys Grenfell died on 20th November 1968 aged 87 and is buried at Brynteg Cemetery, Gorseinon. Mrs Grenfell who was a County Magistrate died around 1970.

His brother, William John Grenfell was, for a number of years, a member of Llwchwr Urban District Council, representing the Pontybrenin Ward.

Grenfell was succeeded by his former Agent, County Councillor Ifor Davies of Gowerton, who continued to hold the Gower seat until his death in 1982.

[edit] Offices held

Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by John Williams	Member of Parliament for Gower 1922–1959	Succeeded by Ifor Davies
Preceded by Hugh O'Neill	Father of the House 1952–1959	Succeeded by Winston Churchill