Community

Pembrokeshire veteran, 99, recalls horrors of Hiroshima

Published

4 months ago

August 15, 2025

Royal Welch Fusiliers veteran shares vivid memories of atomic bomb devastation

A WORLD WAR TWO veteran from Saundersfoot has spoken of the “absolute horror” he witnessed in Japan after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Duncan Hilling, 99, served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and was among the first British soldiers to enter the cities following the attacks. This week, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan, he was presented with a framed letter of thanks from Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, in recognition of his service.

Although the war in Europe ended on 7 May 1945, fighting continued in the Asia-Pacific. On 6 August 1945, the US dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people. Three days later, a second bomb fell on Nagasaki, killing at least 74,000 more.

Mr Hilling, who served in India before being posted to Japan, said: “We went to Hiroshima and saw the horror of the atomic bomb. Blind people were being led around and there were still dead bodies lying in the streets. The newspapers described an atomic bomb, but they didn’t describe the people.”

He visited both cities, including schools turned into makeshift hospitals. “We saw people who were totally blind, with their hands and skin burnt. I really hope it never happens again.”

***Hiroshima, Japan in 1945 after the dropping of the atomic bomb***

The devastation was total. “In Japan 90% of the houses were wooden and they were all burnt,” he said. Survivors told him they remembered only “a horrific flash” before losing their sight.

Mr Hilling believes radiation claimed the lives of several of his comrades who took mementoes from the ruins. “Three boys from the regiment who were with me took things from the site. They all died of cancer in their 30s and 40s.”

**Eluned Morgan presented Duncan Hilling, accompanied by his daughter Miranda, with a letter of thanks for his service in World War Two** (Image BBC)

Following Japan’s surrender on 14 August 1945, celebrations broke out across the world. Mr Hilling recalled marking the occasion in India by singing hymns, before being sent to Malaya during the communist uprising known as the Malayan Emergency.

Presenting the letter of thanks, Ms Morgan said Mr Hilling’s experiences were “a reminder to future generations of the cost of war and the importance of listening to those who lived through it.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 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)