Community

Milford Haven to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day

Published

1 month ago

May 21, 2024

THE Milford Haven Town Council will be holding a Memorial Service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on The Rath on Thursday, 6th June 2024, at 8:45pm. The beacon will be lit at 9:15pm.

There will also be a second service organised by the Royal British Legion at 11am also on The Rath.

Jennifer Raymond, Milford Haven Secretary, said that there will be a water-cannon salute from the Svitzer tugs in the Haven, with with their fog horns sounding to kick-off the very important 80 years since the landing in Dunkirk.

Also in the water at the Legion’s commemoration will be the original WW2 Air Sea Rescue launch 441. It was used to rescue pilots from the planes that came down in the English Channel back in 1944.

D-Day, which took place on 6th June 1944, marked a pivotal moment in World War II. It was the day when Allied forces launched a massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. This operation, known as Operation Overlord, involved thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. The invasion was a significant turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

The 80th Anniversary of D-Day holds profound meaning for many, particularly for those who lived through the war and the families of those who served. It is a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who took part in the operation. It is also an opportunity to honour the bravery and determination of the veterans who survived and to remember those who did not return.

As the years pass, the number of surviving veterans dwindles, making commemorations like these even more poignant. The 80th anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and the importance of remembering their contributions to history.

The Memorial Service in Milford Haven will provide a moment for the community to come together in remembrance. The lighting of the beacon will symbolise the light of hope and the enduring spirit of those who fought for a better future. The council encourages all residents to attend the service and pay their respects to the heroes of D-Day.

DID YOU KNOW?

During the lead up to D-Day, part of Milford Haven was taken over by the US Navy as a place where they could dock landing craft as well as make repairs to these craft. The crews would also have been stationed nearby in the town, and a Hospital in Hakin was set up with a hut encampment. The nearby Pier at Newton Noyes was also regularly used by the US Navy.

Landing Ship, Tanks (LST) were often put into Dry Docks to carry out repairs and preparation for the D-Day Landings. The base was the largest Advanced Amphibious Base build by the American Engineers and around 1,000 servicemen and women were stationed at the base during 1943 and 1944.

Community

Major military exercise begins today at Castlemartin

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Ministry of Defence has announced the commencement of “Exercise Iron Storm,” a significant military training operation taking place at Castlemartin Range over the next two weeks. The exercise, which runs from 24th June until 5th July, aims to enhance the operational readiness of the UK’s armed forces.
This critical exercise will enable troops to be trained for any future operational requirements, both within the UK and overseas. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes the importance of this exercise in maintaining the nation’s defense capabilities.
Residents near Castlemartin Range are advised that live firing will occur from Monday to Friday. The firing schedule is set to start at approximately 09:00 hrs and conclude at 18:00 hrs. However, on Monday, 24th June, and Tuesday, 25th June, night firing will extend until 03:00 hrs. Although these times mark the earliest and latest possible firing hours, not all days will adhere strictly to this schedule.

In addition to live fire exercises, military vehicles will be active over the weekends, further contributing to the comprehensive training agenda. The Ministry of Defence has also planned a public briefing prior to the exercise, scheduled for 18:30 hrs on 13th June at Castlemartin Camp (SA71 5EB). A post-exercise briefing will be held on 10th July at 18:30 hrs. Pre-booking is not required for either event.

Exercise Duration: 24th June – 5th July
Daily Firing Times: 09:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs
Night Firing: 24th & 25th June until 03:00 hrs
Post-Exercise Briefing: 10th July at 18:30 hrs

The Ministry of Defence says it appreciates the local community’s continued support and understanding during “Exercise Iron Storm.” This exercise is a vital part of ensuring that the UK’s armed forces remain highly trained and ready to respond to any threats.

Community

Coastguard responds to coasteering injury at Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (JUN 23), HM Coastguard Fishguard responded to an emergency at the Abereiddy Blue Lagoon. The incident, which occurred at approximately 16:28, involved a casualty who had sustained a lower back injury while coasteering.

The individual was brought ashore on a paddle board and located on the beach, where HM Coastguard – St Davids was already in attendance. Coastguards assessed the casualty’s injuries and transferred them onto a stretcher, subsequently carrying them from the beach to the car park.

The RNLI St Davids Lifeboat was also tasked with attending the scene, providing vital pain relief until the arrival of the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. Upon the ambulance’s arrival, the casualty was handed over for further treatment and transport to the hospital.

The prompt and coordinated response by the Coastguard teams and the RNLI ensured that the casualty received swift medical attention.

Community

Lifeboat station’s open day a community success!

Published

3 days ago

June 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station hosted a successful open day today, drawing in locals and visitors alike. The event featured full station tours and refreshments, with many enjoying a relaxing cuppa and cake along the picturesque coast path.

The station expressed heartfelt thanks to the community for their generous support. A special mention was made for the local bakers who donated an array of delicious cakes, which were sold to raise funds for the lifeboat station. The total amount raised will be announced shortly.

The open day was made possible by the dedicated volunteers, crew members, and fundraisers who selflessly give their time to the vital mission of saving lives at sea. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable.

“We salute you,” the RNLI St Davids Lifeboat Station stated in their message of gratitude.

The event underscored the strong community spirit and the shared commitment to supporting the life-saving efforts of the RNLI.

Over £650 was raised, the RNLI said.

John Williams, Lifeboat Operations Manager for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, added: “On behalf of St Davids Lifeboat station, I just wanted to extend our warmest gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us for our station open day. Your presence and interaction with our stations team made the event a truly special occasion!

“A big shout-out to our dedicated fundraisers, volunteers and crew who generously gave their time to showcase our station to the public. Special thanks to all those who baked and donated cakes for the event, their delicious contributions were a massive success! Without your unwavering support and the donations you made, we wouldn’t be able to continue our life-saving mission around our coastline.”