Fourteen intricate aircraft models chart RAF flying boat history from the First World War to the late 1930s

A REMARKABLE timeline of RAF flying boat history can now be seen at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, following the donation of an exquisite collection of aircraft models.

Fourteen models, showing flying boat types from the First World War through to the late 1930s, have been gifted by expert modelmaker Fred Martin, of Bristol, who made a special visit to Pembrokeshire to hand over the collection.

The models include the Supermarine Southampton, which in 1931 became the first flying boat to be stationed at the newly opened RAF Pembroke Dock, and the Short Singapore, the last of the biplane flying boats, which was still in operational use at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.

Fred, who has been making models for more than 60 years, estimates that many of the aircraft took between 80 and 100 hours each to complete.

He said: “The Heritage Centre team have done a quite outstanding job and the exhibits are so professionally presented and varied. I am so pleased that I have been able to contribute to the story.”

Trevor Clark, of the Heritage Centre’s Collections Team, said the models were an important addition to the centre’s aviation displays.

He said: “Many of the models are from vacform kits, which are very intricate and challenging to make. Every type of biplane flying boat used by the RAF in the 1920s and 1930s is represented. All were seen on the Haven Waterway at various times.”

Volunteer Paul Emens, himself a highly skilled modelmaker and member of the Penfro Model Club, added: “It is a remarkable collection and the quality of each one is superb, right down to the myriad of rigging wires.”

The Heritage Centre already displays several models of Sunderland and Catalina aircraft from the Second World War era, but Fred noted that one flying boat is still missing from the collection.

“This is the Saro Lerwick, which looks like a two-engined Sunderland,” he said. “I am only aware of two kits that have been produced in 1/72 scale. Both are no longer in production and are very rare. It does, however, occasionally appear, so I will keep a lookout.”

Pembroke Dock was Wales’ only Royal Dockyard, a major garrison town and, during the Second World War, home to the largest flying boat station in the world.

The Heritage Centre’s displays interpret the maritime, aviation and military heritage of the town, as well as the social and community history of Pembroke Dock.

The centre is currently open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Cover image:

Fred Martin, left, hands over a model of a London flying boat to Paul Emens and Trevor Clark, right, of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre team.
Pic: Martin Cavaney

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].