Community

The 1915 Milford Haven maritime massacre: A tale of valour and loss

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2024

TODAY is the inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day, buy many residents of Milford Haven may not know about the tragic events of 1915, when piracy on the high seas by ‘the enemy’ led to the loss of local fishermen and several trawlers.

In 1915, amidst the backdrop of World War I, Milford Haven’s fishing fleet became the target of ruthless ‘pirate attacks’ as they were reported, which claimed the lives of 47 men and saw the sinking of several trawlers.

These were not isolated incidents but part of a terrifying pattern that emerged during this tumultuous period, carried out by German boats, and submarines, against all British shipping.

The first incident was a brutal attack on the Hirseo.

As the ‘pirates’ opened fire, chaos ensued onboard. The trawler, filled with fishermen, was ill-equipped to handle such an assault. Many crew members were killed instantly, while others, injured and desperate, struggled to survive as the vessel began to sink. The nearby Victoria, in a bid to assist, maneuvered closer but was quickly overwhelmed by gunfire and met the same fate as the Hirseo.

Among those who lost their lives was the chief engineer of the Victoria, Albert Cole, whose earlier premonitions of doom became a grim reality as the ship went down. His final acts, attempting to keep the engine room operational even as the vessel succumbed to the sea, highlighted the bravery and professionalism that defined these men.

***Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telegraph, 1915***

***WW1: The steam trawler Fuschia’s crew was captured by a U-boat***

Simultaneously, the Belgian trawler Delta B also came under attack. The Delta B, which was fishing in proximity to the British trawlers, was besieged by the same group of pirates. It suffered extensive damage and eventually sank, adding to the day’s toll of devastation. The crew, mostly Belgian nationals, faced a fierce battle for survival as they encountered relentless gunfire and the perilous waters of the Irish Sea.

Survivors from these attacks were few and faced grim odds. Those who were rescued recounted their experiences with palpable grief and trauma. They described scenes of fellow crewmen being struck by bullets, the cold embrace of the sea as they leapt overboard, and the slim hopes of rescue amidst the vast, unforgiving waters.

***Danger at sea: German sailors were described as ‘pirates’ by the British press***

The response from Milford Haven to these tragic events was swift and heartfelt. The community rallied to support the grieving families, providing financial aid and organising memorial services. The impact of the losses was felt deeply throughout the community, uniting them in their sorrow and their resolve to prevent future tragedies.

The incidents involving other trawlers, like the Ebor, further underscored the widespread nature of the piracy threat at the time. The Ebor, targeted shortly after the initial attacks, managed to survive the encounter but not without enduring its own harrowing tale of gunfire and evasion.

In the aftermath, additional stories emerged of other nationalities involved, such as Russians, Spaniards, and Norwegians, each sharing their own harrowing escape stories. One poignant testimony came from a Spanish survivor, who detailed his traumatic ordeal in broken English, reflecting not only his personal suffering but also the shared human experience of facing death at sea.

Today, as we reflect on these tragic events, our community not only commemorates those who were lost but also looks to learn from the past. The horrors of the 1915 pirate attacks have instilled a collective resolve to enhance safety and security for all maritime workers, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who went before us, and let their legacy guide our efforts towards a safer and more secure future for the fishing community of Milford Haven and beyond.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)

Community

Cabinet to review recent decision on crematorium services at special meeting

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A RECENT decision by senior Pembrokeshire councillors on a review in the way crematorium services in the county will be delivered is to be revisited following a ‘call-in’ by members of the Conservative group.

At a special meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet to be held on June 22, members will consider a May Cabinet decision on crematorium services in the county.

A report for members says at the March meeting of the council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee it was resolved to recommend that Cabinet undertake a review of fees and charges at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, with particular regard to the cost of direct cremation, and that Cabinet commission a comprehensive review of the crematorium’s future operational model, with the findings to be reported to the committee for consideration and scrutiny prior to any final Cabinet decision.

At the May meeting of Cabinet, members agreed to review fees and charges at Parc Gwyn along with a review of service delivery, efficiency and value for money, excluding alternative operating models, the report says.

An extraordinary meeting of Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee was held in response to a call-in from 11 councillors, all member of the council’s Conservative group, saying the Cabinet report materially altered the original scrutiny recommendation, the decision was not supported by sufficient evidence or benchmarking, financial considerations relating to “surplus” and “profit” were improperly weighted, alternative operational models were prematurely excluded, and that further scrutiny is required.

That committee agreed the matter be referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration.

The report for Cabinet members says: “Members who requested the call-in were dissatisfied with the way the issue was presented to Cabinet in regards to the second recommendation, which although was presented in full in the Cabinet paper, the officer recommendation removed the element relating to the review of the operating model.

“Members queried if Cabinet were given a fair opportunity to consider the merits of a full operational review. It was suggested that the officer report led Cabinet towards their conclusion by recommending against the operating model review.

“Whilst referral was made to the call-in not being in relation to privatisation, members in the previous services overview and scrutiny committee meeting had discussed this as a potential future option which resulted in the recommendation to review the operating model.”

The report says there “are well-established and unavoidable cost factors associated with any change in delivery model,” adding: “Should Cabinet now agree to include this aspect of the recommendation, Members should be aware that this will require the commissioning of an external consultant to carry out the review, expected to cost an estimated £30,000, financed from existing crematorium reserves.”

Members are recommended to review the previous decision.

Community

Call for works at St Mary’s Church, Pembroke to improve accessibility

Published

10 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works at a historic Pembrokeshire town centre church to make it more accessible has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, The Parochial Church Council of St Mary’s Church, Pembroke, through agent Arnold Bartosch Ltd, is applying for the removal of existing steps with replacement steps and a ramp at the grade-I-listed church.

A supporting statement says the church, heavily restored in the 19^th century, “is thought to have been built for Gilbert de Clare, first Earl 1138-48 or his son Richard Strongbow, 1148-76, but is likely to be contemporary with the major building at the castle by William Marshal, first in Pembroke between 1204, and 1219”.

Of the proposed scheme it says: “The current access consists of a sloping pathway and three steps up. The steps deny access to the church for wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility. The proposed arrangement will provide a level platform allowing access for all into the church and churchyard.”

It adds: “The existing access from the churchyard into the West Porch also consists of steps. The proposals will include for the installations of a new landing at the west doorway which will provide access for all into the church.”

The west entranceway was itself listed back in 2005, as grade-II.

The supporting statement adds: “The access should be altered as it currently restricts access for all. The alterations will improve public access of the church whilst retaining the grade-II-listed piers and gates. The alterations will be carried out to a high standard befitting a grade I Listed Church setting and grade-II-listed gates and railings.

“The relocation will involve minimum disruption and no loss of historic fabric. We believe this proposal is acceptable and a reasonable part of the site’s evolution concurrent with modern requirements and can be justified as minimal harm.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

A successful fundraising campaign was held at St Mary’s for the restoration of three church bells and associated works, with a blessing of the bells service and dedication taking place back in May attended by the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, Lord Bishop of St Davids, new mayor of Pembroke Cllr Jonathan Grimes and Mayoress Cllr Deborah Willcocks.

The three new bells dedicated were the Lingard Family Bell, the Rogers Family Bell, and the Morgan Bell.