Community

The 1915 Milford Haven maritime massacre: A tale of valour and loss

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2024

TODAY is the inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day, buy many residents of Milford Haven may not know about the tragic events of 1915, when piracy on the high seas by ‘the enemy’ led to the loss of local fishermen and several trawlers.

In 1915, amidst the backdrop of World War I, Milford Haven’s fishing fleet became the target of ruthless ‘pirate attacks’ as they were reported, which claimed the lives of 47 men and saw the sinking of several trawlers.

These were not isolated incidents but part of a terrifying pattern that emerged during this tumultuous period, carried out by German boats, and submarines, against all British shipping.

The first incident was a brutal attack on the Hirseo.

As the ‘pirates’ opened fire, chaos ensued onboard. The trawler, filled with fishermen, was ill-equipped to handle such an assault. Many crew members were killed instantly, while others, injured and desperate, struggled to survive as the vessel began to sink. The nearby Victoria, in a bid to assist, maneuvered closer but was quickly overwhelmed by gunfire and met the same fate as the Hirseo.

Among those who lost their lives was the chief engineer of the Victoria, Albert Cole, whose earlier premonitions of doom became a grim reality as the ship went down. His final acts, attempting to keep the engine room operational even as the vessel succumbed to the sea, highlighted the bravery and professionalism that defined these men.

***Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telegraph, 1915***

***WW1: The steam trawler Fuschia’s crew was captured by a U-boat***

Simultaneously, the Belgian trawler Delta B also came under attack. The Delta B, which was fishing in proximity to the British trawlers, was besieged by the same group of pirates. It suffered extensive damage and eventually sank, adding to the day’s toll of devastation. The crew, mostly Belgian nationals, faced a fierce battle for survival as they encountered relentless gunfire and the perilous waters of the Irish Sea.

Survivors from these attacks were few and faced grim odds. Those who were rescued recounted their experiences with palpable grief and trauma. They described scenes of fellow crewmen being struck by bullets, the cold embrace of the sea as they leapt overboard, and the slim hopes of rescue amidst the vast, unforgiving waters.

***Danger at sea: German sailors were described as ‘pirates’ by the British press***

The response from Milford Haven to these tragic events was swift and heartfelt. The community rallied to support the grieving families, providing financial aid and organising memorial services. The impact of the losses was felt deeply throughout the community, uniting them in their sorrow and their resolve to prevent future tragedies.

The incidents involving other trawlers, like the Ebor, further underscored the widespread nature of the piracy threat at the time. The Ebor, targeted shortly after the initial attacks, managed to survive the encounter but not without enduring its own harrowing tale of gunfire and evasion.

In the aftermath, additional stories emerged of other nationalities involved, such as Russians, Spaniards, and Norwegians, each sharing their own harrowing escape stories. One poignant testimony came from a Spanish survivor, who detailed his traumatic ordeal in broken English, reflecting not only his personal suffering but also the shared human experience of facing death at sea.

Today, as we reflect on these tragic events, our community not only commemorates those who were lost but also looks to learn from the past. The horrors of the 1915 pirate attacks have instilled a collective resolve to enhance safety and security for all maritime workers, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who went before us, and let their legacy guide our efforts towards a safer and more secure future for the fishing community of Milford Haven and beyond.

Community

Pembrokeshire asked to shape new walking, wheeling and cycling routes

Published

22 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being invited to have their say on where new walking, wheeling and cycling routes should be created or improved, as the county council updates its Active Travel Network Map.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s public consultation opens on Monday (Jan 26) and runs until Monday (Apr 20).

The map is intended to help identify where infrastructure improvements are needed to make everyday journeys safer and easier, including for people who use mobility aids or who are new to walking, wheeling or cycling.

A wooden post with a sign on it, in Pembrokeshire

The council says the work forms part of the Active Travel (Wales) Act, which requires local authorities to plan and map suitable active travel routes.

The consultation focuses on the county’s designated localities, which include Fishguard and Goodwick, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Haverfordwest, Neyland, Milford Haven, Johnston, Narberth and St Dogmaels.

People can take part online using an interactive mapping tool hosted by Data Map Wales, where users can view proposed future routes and existing routes and leave comments.

The online consultation can be found at: https://datamap.gov.wales/survey/Pembrokeshire-AT-survey/

Drop-in sessions have also been arranged for people unable to access the online material, with council representatives attending to answer questions.

The sessions are:

Thursday (Feb 5)
Pembroke Dock Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Pembroke Town Council, 2:30pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday (Feb 11)
Ocean Lab Café, Goodwick, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Fishguard Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Monday (Feb 24)
Neyland Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm
Johnston Baptist Church, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday (Feb 26)
Narberth Library, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Thursday (Mar 5)
Tenby Town Council, 9:30am to 12:30pm
The Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, 1:30pm to 5:30pm

Wednesday (Mar 18)
St Dogmaels Memorial Hall, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday (Mar 25)
Milford Haven Library, 10:00am to 1:00pm

Thursday (Mar 26)
HaverHub, Haverfordwest, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Paper copies of plans are available on request, although the council says hard-copy plans can only be provided for specific areas due to the extent of the consultation.

Residents who need alternative formats such as large print, easy-read, Braille, audio or another language have been asked to contact the council.

For more information, email: [email protected] or call 01437 775182.

Community

Jenkins & Davies investigating alleged racist remarks after video circulates online

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN ENGINEERING firm has launched an internal investigation after a video circulated online over the weekend which is said to show a senior member of staff at the Pembroke Dock firm making comments described as racist.

The video was uploaded to YouTube and TikTok by DJ Clips UK. In the footage, a member of staff is heard saying he was concerned about a drone being flown in the area because of travellers nearby.

He is quoted as saying: “There are gypsies down the corner, and we just don’t want stuff going missing.”

In response, members of the traveller community have erected a banner outside the company’s gates accusing the firm of “racial abuse”.

Jenkins & Davies Engineering has since issued a public statement acknowledging the video and apologising to those affected.

The company said it was “aware of a video circulating online involving comments made by a senior member of our team” and added: “The message stated was inappropriate and does not reflect our values or the views of the company.”

It continued: “We recognise the hurt and offence this has caused to members of the community, and we would like to sincerely apologise to anyone affected by these unwarranted comments.”

The firm said it takes discrimination “extremely seriously” and confirmed the employee involved had been removed from all duties while a full investigation is carried out.

Charlie Price, described as a prominent voice within the local traveller community, said he believed the remarks were racist and that the response so far had not gone far enough.

He said: “What was said was not acceptable in 2026. We are not happy at all and we see they put an apology on Facebook with the help of their fancy £300 an hour solicitors in Cardiff, but we wants them to come out and give us an apology in person.”

The company statement was signed by managing director R Barnard.

Community

Fire chiefs back Register My Appliance Week to cut risk of white goods fires

Published

2 days ago

January 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service says registering appliances is free, quick, and could help households receive urgent safety alerts or recalls.

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging households across the region to register their white goods and other electrical appliances as it backs Register My Appliance Week, running from Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23.

The campaign encourages people to sign up items such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and smaller appliances so manufacturers can contact owners quickly if a fault is discovered or a product recall is issued.

The fire service said it had attended 40 incidents involving faulty white goods over the past 12 months, and believes registration is a simple step that could help reduce the risk of accidents in the home.

Home Fire Safety Manager Gareth Hands said: “Smart, efficient appliances make life easier, but it’s essential to get them registered. It’s quick, free, and ensures you’re alerted first if a safety repair is ever needed. A few minutes now helps you enjoy the benefits without compromising safety.”

Residents are being directed to the Register My Appliance portal, which offers access to more than 70 leading brands, with many accepting registrations for both new and older appliances, including items bought second-hand or acquired “nearly new”.

To register, households can visit www.registermyappliance.org.uk.