A LONG forgotten World War I pilot and former Welsh Regiment officer has been remembered, his memorial stone renovated and family members traced, thanks to a Pembrokeshire aviation historian.

Malcolm Cullen, of Marloes, first spotted pilot’s wings on the memorial at Llanion town cemetery, Pembroke Dock, but had difficulty in deciphering the inscription.

The impressive cross, set on a Cornish granite plinth, was placed by the family of Captain Benjamin Stewart Buckingham Thomas, MC, of Gwyther Street, Pembroke Dock, who died on October 4th 1918 when two RAF Bristol Fighter biplanes collided. He was 24.

Captain Thomas served as a Welsh Regiment infantry officer on the Western Front and was awarded the Military Cross for heroism during the Battle of La Boiselle, part of the Somme offensive of 1916.

In 1917 he trained as a pilot and joined 11 Squadron RAF, flying many operational patrols in 1918. He died just weeks before the war ended and is buried at Greviller Cemetery, France.

Malcolm has restored the memorial area and arranged for a stonemason to revamp the inscription. His researches locally traced the pilot’s nephew, Mr Benjamin Stewart-Thomas, who lives near Broad Haven.

Mr Stewart-Thomas and his wife, Judith, attended the service of re-dedication, conducted by Air Cadets Padre Rev Grayham Passmore. The memorial was unveiled by the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor George Manning, assisted by Deputy Mayor Councillor Maria Williams. Last Post and Reveille were played by Cindy Hissey and Royal British Legion and Royal Welsh Standards were carried by Reg Thomas and Harry Knight.

Wreaths were laid by Mr Stewart-Thomas, Warrant Officer Lee Halsall, representing the Royal Welsh Regiment, and Warrant Officer Greg Moodie, representing 11 Squadron, RAF.

A reception was later held at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre where photographs and records of Captain Thomas’ wartime service have been added to the digital archive.

Photos by Martin Cavaney

AN American WWII veteran, who was once stationed in Haverfordwest during 1944, is reaching out over international waters to reconnect with the family of a long-lost friend,.

At the remarkable age of 99, John Jecovich, seeks assistance from local residents to uncover any information regarding Jean Young, a friend he made during his service in the town. The quest to find Jean or her descendants comes as the D-Day celebrations approach, adding a poignant note to this year’s commemorations.

Jean-Marc Bordeaux, a representative of the Jecovich family, explained that Mr. Jecovich’s memory of his time in Haverfordwest and his friendship with Ms. Young remains strong. According to Mr. Jecovich, Jean was around 24 or 25 years old in 1944, while he was just 19. “John recalls that Jean’s father might have been a mayor or manager of the town, and she worked at an office with him on what he believes was East Essex Street,” Mr. Bordeaux shared.

The appeal stretches beyond local boundaries, aiming to touch anyone who might remember the Young family or have records that could shed light on their whereabouts. The family has also provided a contact number in the United States and a link to a YouTube channel featuring Mr. Jecovich, to help Pembrokeshire locals get a personal glimpse of the man behind the appeal.

“This is more than a search; it’s a call to our sense of community and historical camaraderie,” said Mr. Bordeaux, expressing hope that Pembrokeshire’s residents will embrace the opportunity to aid this venerable veteran. “We believe that with the help of the local media and the community’s collective memory, we can piece together Jean’s story and, hopefully, reconnect Mr. Jecovich with his friend’s family.”

The Jecovich family eagerly awaits any information that can be provided by the people of Haverfordwest, as they hold on to the hope of a meaningful reunion, be it through memories or family connections.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact The Herald.

This story not only celebrates a longstanding friendship forged in wartime but also underscores the lasting bonds that such experiences can create.

IT is just over two years since the invasion of Ukraine, and the situation has not improved enough to allow families to return and rebuild their lives and homes.  

We are reaching out again to the people of Pembrokeshire, to come forward and provide homes for Ukraine families and support us to help the Wales Nation of Sanctuary efforts for refugees.  

It is known there is a lack of affordable accommodation in Pembrokeshire and we do not want to place additional pressures on this sector.  This is why it is vitally important for us to use hosting arrangements to support Ukrainian families.  

Pembrokeshire County Council has an impressive 52 hosts, who continue to provide an immense level of kindness and support to 113 Ukraine people.  

The Ukraine families are extremely grateful to be able to seek sanctuary, build a life and to continue to provide for their families until it is safe to return home. 

One person being hosted in Pembrokeshire said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the UK government, the local community of Pembrokeshire, and my lovely hosts for their support and assistance in this difficult time for Ukrainians.

“The local council always provides all the support I need and helps me solve various problems.

“It should be noted that I am very lucky with my hosts, I feel safe in their home, and they are always happy to give advice and help. They are more than hosts to me, they have become my friends.”

Another added: “Thank you for always being in touch, always ready to help me and my children. We are happy to have received such support in your country.”

The UK and Welsh Government have extended the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and our team are looking for additional hosts to come forward, who can open their hearts and homes to offer a safe place for Ukraine families to live.  

Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, hosts are entitled to a £500 tax free thank you payment for each month a Ukraine person lives with them.

There is a need for larger accommodation to home reunited families and more accommodation of two bedrooms or more is sought.  If this is near any of Pembrokeshire’s towns or with access to transport networks that would be desirable. 

If you feel that you, could open your homes, to a Ukraine family please contact 01437 776301 or [email protected] and the team will provide you with more information and explain the support that is given to our hosts in order to build a strong hosting relationship.

Many of our hosts have been providing a home for a year or more and the Council recently held an event for our hosts as a thank you for their continued support. We asked them for feedback and received some lovely comments:

“It is so vital to be able to contact people from the county council to seek help or advice when needed.  We have found that the team in Pembrokeshire make themselves available, provide help when needed.  A good team who seem to work well together”.

Another added: “We are very pleased to be able to help out, our guests are charming and hardworking… the support we had from Pembrokeshire was amazing.”