Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

featured

D-Day rescue boat will be in Milford Haven for 75th anniversary commemoration

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN will be commemorating 75 years since the D Day landings in Normandy on Thursday, with the Royal British Legion’s local branch organising a service at 11am on The Rath.

But this years’ service will be extra special because out in The Haven an original WW2 RAF air sea rescue launch, which was in Normandy during the invasion, will be motoring past for all to see.

Call sign 441, the RAF high speed launch and her crew rescued the entire crew of a downed B17 aircraft during the Operation Overlord.

Owned by Mr Alistair and Mrs Marion Walker, it is the only working example of its type and during WW2 served at RAF Pembroke Dock

These craft were constructed by the British Power Boat Co, Hythe Nr Southampton. and were designed by George Salman as seaplane tenders. Power was supplied by 2 x 130 hp Perkins diesel engines giving a speed of 23 knots and were constructed between 1941 –1944.

The main work was running the crews out to moored aircraft and acting as tugs and service craft. As the war progressed and more use was made of land bases, they became surplus to requirements. However, a new role was found for them to provide a comprehensive A.S.R cover of the waters around the coast and to this end it was necessary to use some of the smaller tidal harbours. It was almost impossible to use any of the larger High Speed craft for this purpose, and the Seaplane tenders were ideal fitted the role admirably.

Some of the notable rescues by these small craft such as no 1515 operating out of Lyme Regis picked up 26 paratroops from Lyme Bay on D Day and 441 is known to have res¬cued a complete crew of a Fortress bomber and 444 the crew of a Lancaster who were located by light signals.

The RAF Search and Rescue Force

The Marine Craft Section (MCS) was created just days after the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918, but would achieve fame for its role in air-sea rescue operations during the Second World War.

As the UK entered the Second World War, the MCS found itself ill-prepared for war. During the Battle of Britain, the MCS could only keep 10 of 13 High Speed Launch (HSL) boats available for air-sea rescue operations at any one time. The high performance of the craft was at the expense of the service life of the engines, at only 360 hours. Even with the help of civilian vessels and the Royal Navy, aircrew who baled out or ditched in the North Sea and English Channel had only a 20% chance of being returned to their squadrons. Between mid-July and October 1940, the UK lost 215 pilots and aircrew to the seas.

In light of this, in 1941, an emergency meeting was convened by Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris. The Royal Navy offered to take over sea rescue operations in their entirety. The RAF declined and subsequently created the Directorate of Air Sea Rescue in February 1941.

Operationally it was to be known as Air Sea Rescue Services (ASRS), later becoming the RAF Search and Rescue Force. Together with the expansion of the ASRS component of the MCS, the ASRS worked to improve the survival of aircrews through the development and issue of better individual survival equipment. By the end of the Second World War, more than 8,000 aircrew and 5,000 civilians had been rescued, and the MCS had some 300 HSLs and over 1,000 other vessels, located not just in the waters around the UK, but around the world.

After the war, the MCS was granted full branch status in 1947, however the role of the new branch would be greatly reduced post-war. This was due to a variety of factors, including the end of the British Empire, the withdrawal of flying boats from service and the increasing use of helicopters in air-sea rescue. The branch was disbanded in 1986.

Continue Reading

featured

Wanted: Steven Kimpriktzis in connection with drug trafficking operation

Published

on

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are urgently seeking information leading to the arrest of Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis, aged between 45 and 50, in relation to a significant drug trafficking operation.

Kimpriktzis, an alleged central figure in an Organised Crime Group (OCG), is accused of conspiring to supply Class A controlled substances across Liverpool, Dorset, and Pembrokeshire between May 2021 and March 2022.

The police allege Kimpriktzis’s direct involvement in the orchestration of drug movements that have significantly impacted the regions involved. Standing at approximately 175 to 180 cm (5′ 10″) with a medium build and described as White European in ethnicity, Kimpriktzis has known connections in both Liverpool and Reading and has been spotted in Greece recently.

The Dyfed-Powys Police force is leading the charge in this cross-regional investigation, emphasising the severity of the charges against Kimpriktzis. As part of a larger OCG, his activities have drawn considerable concern, prompting a nationwide alert for his apprehension.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding Kimpriktzis’s whereabouts or activities. Confidential tips can be relayed anonymously by contacting 0800 555 111. The police stress the importance of community assistance in curtailing the operations of such organised crime groups, which pose significant risks to public safety and wellbeing.

In the ongoing battle against drug trafficking within the UK, the capture of individuals such as Steven Kostas Kimpriktzis represents a critical step in dismantling networks that fuel illegal drug distribution and associated criminal activities. The Dyfed-Powys Police remain dedicated to this cause, urging anyone with knowledge that could lead to Kimpriktzis’s arrest to come forward.

Continue Reading

featured

‘SPARC’ Powering progress for females – launches on International Women’s Day

Published

on

ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Pembrokeshire College proudly hosted the highly anticipated launch event of the Sustainable Power, Renewables, and Construction (SPARC) Alliance. This occasion celebrated women and effective collaboration between industry, notably the Alliance members: Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven and RWE Renewables, local secondary schools, and Pembrokeshire College.

The collective aim of SPARC is to promote gender diversity in these underrepresented industries. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Fay Jones, delivered an empowering address, emphasising the importance of initiatives like SPARC in promoting gender diversity. Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “I was delighted to come to Pembrokeshire College on International Women’s Day to celebrate the excellent work that’s been achieved by all the partners in promoting opportunities for young women. Encouraging women into professions like engineering and construction is vital to ensure they have the chance of achieving fantastic well-paid careers in their local area.

It’s great to see the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal being used for such a brilliant scheme.” The event that was opened by Dr Barry Walters, Principal of Pembrokeshire College, reminding the audience of the current gender gap in the featured sectors and the role we all should play encouraging females into non-traditional roles.

Keynote speaker and trailblazer Jessica Leigh Jones MBE, captivated the audience with her insights into the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and progress in the green economy. A highlight of the event was the SPARC Alliance panel discussion Chaired by the former Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson. The highlight was the female ‘Careers’ panel, five female professionals took time out of their busy schedules to inspire the next generation of engineers by answering questions from learners.

The SPARC Alliance investment and the additional funding from the Swansea City Deal, will support school teachers to deliver SPARC engagement activities. Awareness raising, building confidence and interacting with industry will add to unlocking female potential in these underrepresented industries. “Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council extend their gratitude to all partners whose unwavering collaboration and support have brought this transformative initiative to fruition, breaking barriers and building a future filled with opportunities for future generations.” SPARC Lead, Hayley Williams.

Continue Reading

featured

Pembrokeshire man accused of ‘sexual activity’ with stepdaughter

Published

on

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with committing sexual acts against his step-daughter.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of engaging in ‘adult sexual activity’ with the girl between January 1, and June 4, 2021.

The acts included sexually touching the child, who was 16 or over at the time of the alleged offences, with his finger.

He faces a total of four charges of engaging in sexual activity with his family member.

No pleas were entered by the defendant when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, which will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on March 28.

The defendant was released on unconditional bail.

Continue Reading

Business14 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News1 day ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime2 days ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News3 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business3 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News6 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity7 days ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community1 week ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week