Latest news with #Hilling
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Saundersfoot war veteran honoured by First Minister
Duncan Hilling, 99, from Saundersfoot, was honoured by First Minister Eluned Morgan during Wales' VJ Day commemorations with a letter recognising his service during the Second World War. Mr Hilling served in India, Japan and Malaya after joining the RAF in April 1944, later transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was among the first British troops to enter Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the atomic bombings in August 1945. Mr Hilling said: "I went out to Japan and spent a year there, it was a fascinating country. "We arrived before any other troops, we went to Hiroshima and the horrors of the atomic bomb were still there, it was hideous. "We asked people what they remembered about the bomb, and they couldn't remember anything, just a flash. "To me it was horrible, my comrades, six of us, felt the same. "I don't think people can ever understand what it was like. "Let's hope to goodness it never happens again." He was one of 11 siblings, seven of whom also served during the war. All survived. He added: "I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. "I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100." The tribute was presented as part of Wales' commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. VJ Day is observed on August 15 and honours those who served in the Asia-Pacific campaign. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. "His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia-Pacific. "On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today." Mr Hilling's story was one of many shared for this year's VJ Day events, which included commemorations across Wales to remember those who served and fell in the Far East.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Welsh veteran Duncan Hilling honoured for wartime service
Duncan Hilling, from Saundersfoot, was recognised by Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan during an event marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, which falls on August 15. Mr Hilling, who served in the Asia Pacific during the Second World War, joined the RAF in April 1944 before transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was among the first UK forces to enter Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, just weeks after the atomic bombings. Mr Hilling said: "I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. "I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100." First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. "His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia Pacific. "On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today."
Western Telegraph
09-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
War veteran Duncan, 99, lights Tenby's VE Day beacon
Duncan Hilling, who served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in India, Japan and Malaya, led the town's parade from Tudor Square as he rode in style in a World War Two USA Army jeep. After a wheelchair ride up Castle Hill, the former Bren Gun Carrier driver, who now lives in Saundersfoot, had the honour of lighting the Tenby beacon as part of the national chain. Mr Hilling is pictured in the Jeep, flanked by town mayor, Dai Morgan, mayoress Melanie Lewis, mace bearers Denise Cousins and Spike Abbott and town crier Erin Morgan. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) A large crowd gathered on Castle Hill following the parade, and there were stirring scenes as I Vow to Thee My Country was sung ahead of town crier Erin Morgan reading the VE Day tribute before the beacon lighting at 9.30pm. A large crowd gathered on Castle Hill for the ceremony. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Commemorations in Tenby had begun more than 12 hours earlier with the reading of the VE Day proclamation and the VE Day flag being raised on one of the town wall turrets. A wreath laying ceremony at the town's war memorial was led by the Rector of Tenby, the Rev. Steve Brett. Students from Ysgol Greenhill School pay their respects at the A tribute from the police at the war memorial. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) war memorial. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Tenby's mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan, laid a wreath on behalf of the town, and a large crowd – including many local schoolchildren – witnessed other organisations pay their respects. The evening parade moves off from Tudor Square. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) These included the Tenby branch of the Royal British legion, Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police, Ysgol Greenhill School and Tenby Sea Cadets. Mr Hilling lights the Castle Hill beacon. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Afterwards the Mayor - along with Major Andrew Hamilton - the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise made by the council to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Mr Hilling is pictured with daughter Miranda Davies on the way up to Castle Hill. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
