News

Simon’s gallantry is mentioned in despatches

Published

12 years ago

October 13, 2013

A SOLDIER from Carmarthen, who ensured all 14 men in his patrol returned unhurt from three ambushes in the space of an hour has been awarded a Mention in Despatches.
Sergeant Simon Smith, aged 30, of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh was just weeks away from returning home in the autumn of 2012 when he and his men came under attack.
Simon was leading his patrol through a dense maize field when it was ambushed from three positions. Despite the massive onslaught, the height of the crop made it difficult to spot their attackers and impossible to return fire without risking civilian casualties.
He said: “I got the all the guys into an irrigation ditch but the weight of fire was knocking us over. It was just shredding the vegetation; the only way I can explain it, is that it looked like an electric saw cutting wood right in front of your face.”
Simon led his patrol out of the attack but it was ambushed for a second time from no more than 50 metres away. Again, thick vegetation hampered the patrol so, realising they were facing up to ten well-armed enemy, Simon ordered his men into a compound.
He said: “Because it was such a confined space, it was really hard to work out where the insurgents were. It was confusing. I had 14 men with a lot of firepower but we couldn’t spot the enemy. The only times we could fire back was when they exposed their positions by firing on us.”
But it was then we were ambushed for a third time. Trapped in the open, Simon used grenades and small arms fire to pin the enemy down just 40 metres away, before leading his men to the cover of an irrigation ditch where he requested air support, finally ending the fight and allowing the patrol to return safely to their checkpoint.
Simon said: “We had been in Afghanistan five months and this was our first fire-fight, though we had dealt with a lot of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). So of the 14 I had with me on that patrol, for eight of them it was the first ever time they had come under fire. But they all did exactly what they should have done and that’s all down to the training we did before deploying.”
Simon explained how he was told about his honour: “I was called into the Commanding Officer’s office, I thought I was in trouble! It’s a good recognition for all of us who were on that patrol; we were a team.”
His girlfriend Clare and mum Gwenda are incredibly proud of him, Simon said: “They’ll be delighted. My mum will love it; she’s a big fan of the Armed Forces.”
Simon’s citation states: “Smith is a remarkable soldier who has been uniquely tested and performed in a remarkable manner.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 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

10 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

10 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.