Community

Falkland Islands flag raised in Milford Haven to mark Liberation Day

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

THE Falkland Islands Government flag was raised at Pembrokeshire County Hall and the British Legion in Milford Haven to commemorate Liberation Day, marking the end of the Falklands War on 14th June 1982. This solemn event was carried out by veterans of HMS Ardent, a Royal Navy frigate that played a crucial role in the conflict.

The Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott was joined by his mother, Mrs Wendy Elliott and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Eddie Davies for the HMS Ardent Association Flag Raising and Reception at Royal British Legion Club. Also in attendance were a number of Pembrokeshire County Councillors including Milford Haven’s Cllr Viv Stoddard, and Cllr Terry Davies.

On 21st May 1982, HMS Ardent was lying in Falkland Sound when it came under fire from the Argentine Air Force. Twenty-two of the 199 crew members on board were killed, and the ship sank the following day after suffering devastating damage.

As the first wave of Argentine aircraft attacked HMS Ardent, cook Jon Major threw himself to the floor and prayed. He survived, but 22 of his shipmates, including a close friend, did not, and dozens more were injured.

Speaking anniversary of the attack, Mr Major, then 62, recounted the terrifying moments. “Anyone who said they weren’t scared would be lying. It was extremely frightening,” he said. “We were all told to take cover when we saw the aircraft coming in. We all lay on the floor with our hands on top of our heads. When the first bombs hit, the whole ship shuddered. The first thing I did was pray.”

Mr Major was one of eight cooks onboard the Type 21 frigate. Three members of the close-knit team were killed. “Cooks were used for what is known as ‘defence watch’, watching out for incoming aircraft. It was eight hours on, eight hours off,” he explained. “When we were off-duty, we tried to get our heads down as best we could, but there was always something to do. We’d often be involved in moving shells and other ammunition around the ship.”

Mr Major was also a first-aider, although the scale of the damage inflicted in the raids meant he could do little to help. “Most of the damage was down aft (the back of the ship),” he said. “The bombs took out the galley. Because of the smoke, we couldn’t get down there.”

As the attack continued, the captain, Commander Alan West, gave the order to “abandon ship”. According to the official report into the loss of HMS Ardent, the ship “succumbed to two determined multi-aircraft attacks, which she had little chance of deflecting, and was seriously damaged”. The report added that the damage to the vessel would have been greater had a number of the bombs dropped not failed to explode.

Mr Major recalled, “To us, it all seemed to happen in seconds.”

Survivors of the attack were transferred to HMS Yarmouth and taken to South Georgia, before making the long voyage home where they were greeted by their families. “My mum and dad came down from Hull,” Mr Major said. “I remember just feeling numb.”

After returning to the UK, he and his fellow crew members were given four weeks’ “survivors leave” before being redeployed. “It was basically a case of ‘get on with the rest of your lives,'” he said. “Back then people didn’t really talk about mental health. I think it would have helped people if they had talked.”

Mr Major remained in the Royal Navy for another 20 years before leaving the service. “I had some great times, but I also had some pretty bad times, like losing 22 shipmates. It’s something you don’t forget,” he said.

Liberation Day commemorates the victory and liberation of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation, a conflict that lasted 74 days and concluded with the surrender of Argentine forces. The raising of the flag serves not only as a remembrance of those who perished but also as a celebration of the enduring freedom and sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

The bond between Milford Haven and HMS Ardent remains strong, symbolising the town’s support for the Royal Navy and its dedication to remembering those who served and sacrificed. The flag-raising ceremony is a testament to the bravery of the crew of HMS Ardent and the resilience of the community that honours their memory.

In total, 255 British military personnel, three islanders, and 649 Argentine soldiers died during the 74-day Falklands War. A service to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict will be held at 14:00 BST on 19th June at Hull Minster.

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

2 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

2 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

9 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.