News

Recording the memories of Pembrokeshire’s war heroes

Published

8 months ago

April 10, 2025

NEW BOOK PRESERVES FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF D-DAY, BATTLE OF BRITAIN AND HIROSHIMA

THE MEMORIES of Pembrokeshire’s World War Two veterans have been recorded in a powerful new book to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Authors Hugh Morgan and GJ Lewis have spent more than 30 years interviewing Welsh veterans of the Second World War. Their work has now been brought together in a new volume titled World War Two: Voices from Wales.

The book includes previously unpublished interviews with Pembrokeshire servicemen, including Dennis Tidswell of Pembroke, Ted Owens of Pembroke Dock, Tony Bird of Freshwater East, Duncan Hilling of Saundersfoot, and Gordon Prime of Jameston.

Among the most striking accounts is that of Mr Hilling, who served with the Welch Regiment in Japan after the atomic bombings.

“In the first few days of arriving, I drove six of us into Hiroshima to see the damage there,” said Mr Hilling, now 99. “It’s indescribable, really. We went into a hospital where people were just lying on beds. A lot of them, their skin had peeled off their faces and arms. It was a hideous sight.

“Lots of them were blind – the bomb had blinded them when they heard this plane overhead and looked up, which was absolutely fatal, because they saw the bomb explode in midair right above them.”

Dennis Tidswell, who passed away in 2022 aged 99, took part in the Battle of Britain and the siege of Malta. D-Day veterans Ted Owens and Gordon Prime both died in 2023, aged 98.

Tony Bird, now 101, also took part in the Normandy landings alongside his future wife, Florence Paul, who served aboard a ship relaying vital messages to the fleet. She died in the 1980s.

“My most vivid memory of the invasion was the tremendous number of aircraft flying over as we were crossing the Channel,” Mr Bird recalled. “There were literally hundreds of aircraft going over, obviously going in to drop their troops inland, in anticipation of the invasion.”

Co-author Hugh Morgan said: “As a child growing up during the 50s and 60s, I was accustomed to living in a society of men and women who had been through the hell of WW2.

“Sadly, the veterans I knew back then are now almost all gone. But the joy and immense privilege of interviewing so many over the years has always stayed with me. Their jaw-dropping memories were so vivid and powerful.

“Our book captures the unique experiences of 50 ordinary men and women who fought and survived with enormous personal tenacity and courage to defeat the absolute tyranny of fascism.

“Reading their stories, in today’s increasingly troubling world, provides us with a clear warning from history.”

World War Two: Voices from Wales includes a foreword by Dame Siân Phillips and is published by Y Lolfa on May 8. It is priced at £12.99

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.