Remarkable family collection reveals story of father and son who served through two world wars

A REMARKABLE untouched family archive documenting the lives of two Pembroke Dock servicemen who fought for Britain across both World Wars has been discovered in the attic of a terraced house in the town.

The collection, found at a property on Lewis Street, contains original military papers, wartime identity documents, Army service certificates and an old Dyfed driving licence belonging to members of the Atcherley family.

The archive was uncovered by local resident Ryan Guy, who said he was stunned by what he found hidden away in the loft of his home at 33 Lewis Street.

At the heart of the discovery are records belonging to father and son Samuel and James Atcherley, whose military careers spanned decades of British history.

World War One soldier

Among the most significant finds is an original discharge certificate belonging to Samuel Atcherley, who served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

The document shows Samuel enlisted at Shrewsbury on July 19, 1909, before going on to serve throughout the early years of the First World War.

Military records found in the attic show he was discharged on September 6, 1916 after being declared “no longer physically fit for war service” following more than seven years with the Colours.

The papers also paint a vivid picture of the soldier himself. Samuel was described as standing 5ft 6in tall, with fair complexion, grey eyes and blonde hair.

Experts in military history say surviving original service records from the First World War are increasingly rare, particularly where complete family papers remain together.

Secret wartime work

The archive also sheds light on the military career of Samuel’s son, James Henry Atcherley, who served during the Second World War and into the post-war period.

Among the papers is an Army Certificate of Service confirming James reached the rank of Sergeant and served for almost twenty years.

One of the most intriguing discoveries is his wartime military service book carrying stark warnings about secrecy, including instructions that “Military Secrets Must Be Guarded In Peace And War”.

The wording suggests James may have worked in a sensitive military role during a period when Britain was developing radar and communications systems that proved crucial to the war effort.

A surviving wartime National Registration Identity Card lists James Atcherley as living at 33 Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, linking the documents directly to the property where they were uncovered.

A glimpse into local history

The find offers a rare snapshot of ordinary life in Pembroke Dock across much of the twentieth century.

Also discovered among the papers was an original Great Britain driving licence issued through Dyfed County Council in 1976, again showing James Atcherley still living at the same address.

The Herald understands the collection may include further military material and family records yet to be examined.

Ryan Guy said he hopes the discovery will help preserve the memory of the Atcherley family and provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local men who served their country during some of its darkest hours.

The Herald would be keen to hear from anyone who remembers the Atcherley family or has further information about their military service.

FIVE overnight road closures are to take place in Tenby as major work continues on the town’s £8.3m railway station upgrade.

Station Road will be closed overnight to allow heavy machinery and bridge steelwork to be delivered for the Access for All scheme at Tenby railway station.

The project, being delivered by Network Rail with contractor AmcoGiffen, will provide step-free access to both platforms through a new footbridge and lifts.

Work began earlier this year, with the old footbridge removed in March using 220-tonne and 60-tonne cranes. A temporary walkway was installed so passengers could continue moving between platforms while the new structure is built.

Network Rail said the scheme is now at the stage where permanent foundation works are being completed on the platform, ahead of bridge steelwork being installed from July 4.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The scheme will provide step-free access to both platforms via a new footbridge and lifts, making it easier for disabled passengers, as well as those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage, to move around the station independently.

“To maintain the safety of both the public and our teams, Network Rail have worked closely with the local authority to implement a road closure while the steelwork and cranes are delivered and installed.”

Pembrokeshire County Council said Station Road will close from its junction with Warren Street south to its junction with Park Place.

The closure will be in place on Tuesday, June 30, from 9:00pm to 5:00am, and again from Saturday, July 4, for five nights between 9:00pm and 5:00am.

The council said the restriction is needed “to facilitate abnormal load movements in conjunction with the installation of the pedestrian bridge at Tenby Train Station.”

A signed diversion will be in place, with the route depending on the direction of travel.

Traffic management operatives will be on site throughout the works, and the one-way order affecting Harding Street will be temporarily suspended to allow limited two-way access to properties where practicable.

The station upgrade is expected to be completed this autumn.

A GROUP of volunteers who have spent the past five years helping to care for one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic sites have been honoured with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.

Five members of Carew Castle’s Grounds and Site Maintenance Volunteer group attended one of this year’s King’s Garden Parties in early May, after the group was nominated in recognition of its outstanding voluntary work.

David Clarke, Helen Clarke, Chris Williams, Lorna Alexander and Claire Phillips represented the nine-strong volunteer group at the Garden Party, which was attended by members of the Royal Family including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

The group gives one day each week to Carew Castle, helping to look after the Scheduled Ancient Monument, its grounds and the associated Tidal Mill,

Over the past five years, their work has ranged from conservation and biodiversity projects to improving public access, refurbishing historic milling equipment and supporting the wider care of the Castle’s historic landscape.

This work has helped extend the visitor season at Carew, bringing more people to the site outside the traditional summer months and supporting longer, employment opportunities in a seasonal tourism setting.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “Our wonderful volunteers turn up week after week in all weathers, giving their time, skills and energy to help care for a place that means so much to Pembrokeshire.

“So much of what they do happens quietly, behind the scenes, but visitors see the results everywhere, from the grounds and access improvements to the events and seasonal programmes that bring the Castle to life.

“We were thrilled that members of the group were invited to Buckingham Palace. It was a very special recognition of their dedication, and richly deserved.”

The King’s Garden Parties are held each year to recognise people who have made significant contributions to public service, community life and voluntary work.

Further information about visiting Carew Castle and its summer events programme can be found at www.carewcastle.com.