Community
Milford Haven commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day

TODAY, Milford Haven marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a series of commemorative events organised by the Royal British Legion. The community comes together to honour the sacrifices and bravery of those who participated in the pivotal World War II operation.
At 11am, the first service of the day took place on The Rath, organised by the Royal British Legion. Milford Haven Secretary, Jennifer Raymond, highlighted the significance of this event. She announced that there was a water-cannon salute from the Svitzer tugs in the Haven, accompanied by the sounding of their fog horns. This spectacular display marked eight decades since the historic landing in Dunkirk.

In addition to the water-cannon salute, the commemoration featured the original WWII Air Sea Rescue launch 441. This vessel, which played a crucial role in rescuing pilots from downed planes in the English Channel back in 1944, was in the water as a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of those involved in the rescue operations during the war.

D-Day, which occurred on 6th June 1944, was a turning point in World War II. The Allied forces’ massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France, known as Operation Overlord, involved thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. This operation was instrumental in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
The 80th anniversary of D-Day holds profound significance for many, especially 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 soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated 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.
Later today, at 8.45pm, there will be a second service on The Rath, providing another opportunity 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 this evening 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 base for docking and repairing landing craft. The crews were stationed nearby, 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 for repairs and preparation for the D-Day landings. This base was the largest Advanced Amphibious Base built by American engineers, with around 1,000 servicemen and women stationed there during 1943 and 1944.
The 80th anniversary events in Milford Haven not only honour the historical significance of D-Day but also celebrate the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom. As the community gathers to remember, the spirit of unity and gratitude shines brightly, reflecting the courage and sacrifice of the D-Day heroes.
(Images by Jason Davies)
Community
Parents urged to engage with Newgale Coastal Adaptation consultation

PARENTS and guardians across Pembrokeshire are being urged to take part in a statutory consultation on major infrastructure changes planned for Newgale.
The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project: Phase 1 Proposals are currently out for public consultation from April 14 to May 11 2025, and the project team is especially keen to engage with families in the local school community to raise awareness of the long-term changes being proposed.
The Herald understands that AtkinsRéalis, the firm leading the project on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, has contacted schools across the area asking them to help distribute information to parents and carers.

The proposed works involve the construction of a new inland section of the A487, with a bridge over Brandy Brook, to replace the vulnerable coastal stretch of road currently running through Newgale. That section of road has suffered repeated flooding in recent years, and experts say it will become increasingly unsustainable due to sea-level rise and extreme weather linked to climate change.
Once the new inland road is in place, the existing coastal route would be permanently closed and removed.
In addition to the realignment of the A487, the plans include:
- The reclassification of Newgale Hill and Wood Hill, with adjustments to local traffic management;
- A short-term access road (in place for up to ten years) to serve beachfront commercial properties;
- Improved bus stop facilities and turning areas;
- The creation of a traffic-free Shared Use Path, which would replace a portion of the Wales Coast Path, helping to maintain pedestrian and cyclist access through the area.
The works are part of a wider strategy to manage coastal change in a sustainable way, while maintaining access and infrastructure for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Full details of the proposals, including maps, supporting documents, and environmental assessments, can be viewed online at: https://newgalecoastaladaptation.co.uk/#/Statutory_PAC
Those without internet access can view the documents at St Davids Library, City Hall, St Davids, SA62 6SD, during the following times:
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 1:00pm and 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Anyone wishing to make representations about the proposals must do so in writing before 11th May 2025, either by email to Newgale@atkinsrealis.com, or by post to:
Newgale Coastal Adaptation Project Team
AtkinsRéalis
Floor 4, West Glamorgan House
12 Orchard Street
Swansea
SA1 5AD
The Herald will continue to follow developments on this important project as they progress.
Community
Ludchurch petition for vital bus route to be established

A PETITION call to establish a regular bus service from the Pembrokeshire village of Ludchurch to Narberth was heard by county councillors last week.
The e-petition, on Pembrokeshire County council’s own website, by Ryan O’Shea of The Ludchurch Village Committee, asked: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to implement a minimum of one daily bus service connecting our village to Narberth. This essential service would significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents by providing much needed access to other destinations such as Tenby and Haverfordwest.
“Ludchurch is a small rural village and many of our residents face difficulties in accessing essential services, employment opportunities, and social activities due to the lack of public transportation. A subsidised daily bus service would not only alleviate these challenges but also contribute to the overall well-being and inclusivity of our community.
“We believe that by offering this service, the council would be supporting the mobility and independence of our residents, fostering greater community cohesion, and contributing to a more sustainable and connected Pembrokeshire.”
After meeting the threshold for consideration, the petition was heard at the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Speaking at the meeting, Mr O’Shea said the village had no shop, post office, or access to a mobile library, and had not had access to a regular bus service for a number of years, asking for a reinstatement of a service, which he said would help social isolation as well as increased employment opportunities for residents and free younger residents “from a dependence on family and friends”.
He said the two-plus miles walk to the nearest bus services, at Summerhill and Princes Gate, on unlit routes without a pavement was “a significant safety concern,” with a Flecsi Bus service not available, and a once-a-week dial-a-bus scheme run from Narberth’s Bloomfield not addressing the community’s needs.
He suggested three ways of addressing the issue: By extending one of the nearby services to include Ludchurch, by enhancing the Narberth-based service, or by improving pedestrian access to the nearest services.
Members heard from Cabinet Member for Residents Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett the Flecsi service was viewed as the best way forward, constrained by funding and no previous offers to tender for the route; the option of re-routing other services adversely affecting timetables.
He reiterated council financial considerations: “As part of the budget for the forthcoming financial year we have had to take an £80,000 reduction in the bus service budget to make our costs and sums add up.
Committee member Cllr Rhys Jordan said he sympathised with Ludchurch, but said many of the county’s rural areas were disconnected from a service; fellow councillor, and committee chair, Cllr Mark Carter adding: “It’s certainly a desirable thing to have but there must be 30 or 40 villages that have the same.”
Local member – and former council leader – Cllr David Simpson said he had been a local county councillor for 20 years and supported the idea, but neither he nor the local community council had “had any approach for a bus service,” adding: “To get this on board in this day and age would cost a lot of money.”
Members resolved the petition be noted along with the Aspirational Bus Network for Pembrokeshire, which is being developed as part of bus franchising, including the expansion and enhancement of Fflecsi services to ensure all rural settlements, including Ludchurch, have access to a daily local bus service.
Community
Police search for missing Carmarthen man, Liam

POLICE are searching for a 28-year-old man who has been reported missing from the Carmarthen area.
Liam was last seen at around 11:00am on Monday (March 31) in the Burry Port area.
Officers from the Carmarthen, Whitland, and St Clears area say they are concerned for his welfare.
He is described as being approximately 6ft tall, of stocky build, with short dark brown hair and a black beard. He was last seen wearing black Adidas trousers and a black jacket.
Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen Liam, or who has information on his whereabouts, to come forward as a matter of urgency.
Information can be reported online at https://orlo.uk/gzXsk, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Those contacting police are asked to quote reference number 35 of March 31.
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