Community

Mystery of Manorbier airman may soon be solved

Published

4 months ago

August 5, 2025

FOR more than eighty years, a white war grave headstone in Manorbier churchyard has marked the resting place of an unknown airman from the Second World War.

The simple inscription reads: “An airman of the 1939-1945 war, an officer, RAF”.

The mystery began when the body of an RAF officer, wearing pilot’s wings, was washed ashore at Skrinkle Bay, Manorbier, on 12 October 1941. He was buried in the village churchyard four days later.

Now, Pembrokeshire aviation historian Malcolm Cullen, of Marloes, believes he may have discovered the man’s identity.

Mr Cullen, a founder member of the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group, began investigating after being contacted by Australian Douglas Ritchie. His uncle – also named Douglas – disappeared while flying a twin‑engined Blenheim over the Irish Sea on 28 August 1941.

Although wartime censorship was strict, local newspapers did report a coroner’s court hearing at the time. The reports noted that the airman wore RAF battledress of a dark blue colour, similar to the Royal Australian Air Force. This prompted Mr Ritchie to wonder if the Manorbier airman might be his missing uncle.

Mr Cullen’s research uncovered several aircraft losses in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea around the same period, including an Anson trainer from North Devon which crashed off Hartland Point on 27 August 1941. All four crew were lost.

Two bodies were recovered in Pembrokeshire – one at Newgale on 30 September and another at Marloes Sands on 12 October – while a third was found on the Cornish coast. All were identified. The pilot, however – Sous Lieutenant Karol Sapieha‑Kodenski of the Free French Air Force – was never found.

“The references to a dark blue uniform suggested an Australian connection,” said Mr Cullen. “But Free French airmen also wore dark blue. Taking into account tidal currents, the gulf stream and prevailing wind direction, I believe that if Douglas Ritchie’s body had come ashore, it would more likely have been north of the Llyn Peninsula.

“I have been researching these aircraft losses for several years and strongly believe the Manorbier airman is Lieutenant Sapieha‑Kodenski. I have submitted a full report to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who will now decide.”

Lieutenant Sapieha‑Kodenski was a prince with both French and Polish heritage. Mr Cullen’s research into his family history has revealed a remarkable and distinguished background.

Only two Second World War graves in Pembrokeshire are marked as ‘unknown airmen’ – the Manorbier grave and another in Llanion Cemetery, Pembroke Dock. The Llanion airman was buried on 21 October 1941 and is thought to have been found at Bullslaughter Bay on the Castlemartin range.

Pictured: The Rev Martine Johnson, Priest‑in‑Charge of Manorbier Church, with Malcolm Cullen at the grave of the ‘Unknown Airman’. The headstone bears the words ‘Known Unto God’. (Pics: Martin Cavaney Photography)

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

17 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)