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Pembrokeshire Herald
12-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Tribute paid to fishermen at Milford Haven ceremony
Deputy First Minister joins community in honouring lives lost at sea FISHERMEN past and present were honoured in Milford Haven on Sunday (May 11) during a poignant memorial ceremony held on the Rath. The event formed part of National Fishing Memorial Day and was organised jointly by the Fishermen's Mission and the Port of Milford Haven, drawing a respectful crowd of civic leaders, emergency services, cadet groups and local residents. Milford Haven Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, attended the service alongside Leading Cadet Sophie, one of this year's Mayor's Cadets. They were joined by the Deputy First Minister of Wales, Huw Irranca-Davies, who paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who risk – and have lost – their lives at sea. The service reflected on the dangers faced by those working in one of the UK's most hazardous professions, and highlighted the vital role played by fishermen and women in sustaining the nation's food supply. Also present were representatives from NCI Wooltack Point, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and the crew of Angle RNLI Lifeboat – all showing their support for the fishing community. The Mayor said the ceremony served as an important reminder of the community's deep connection to the sea: 'We must never forget the courage of those who go out in all weathers to provide for us. Today, we stood together to honour their memory and their enduring contribution.' The National Fishing Memorial Day is marked in coastal communities across the UK each year, providing an opportunity for families, friends and fellow seafarers to gather and reflect. Image: Milford Haven Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, attended the service alongside Leading Cadet Sophie, one of this year's Mayor's Cadets (Pic: MHTC)
Western Telegraph
03-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Royal Marines Cadets in Milford Haven call for new recruits
The unit, which is part of the national charity Sea Cadets, is inviting young people aged 13 to 18 to join them for a range of outdoor activities. A variety of experiences are on offer including camping, navigating, fieldcraft, and obstacle courses. Detachment Commander Sgt (SCC) Glenn Hewer said: "We welcome all young people living in Pembrokeshire to pop into the unit when we're open and find out about getting stuck into some exciting activities like navigation, boating, and fieldcraft." The unit recently returned from Easter Camp, where detachments from all over the west and south of the UK met up for a weekend of fun activities. Newly appointed Commanding Officer Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Lloyd Jones RNR said: "It's a fantastic opportunity to get to know other young people in the area and you'll make some great friends, learn new skills that will give you a great head start in life and will really boost your confidence." Milford Haven Sea Cadets, which opened in May 1963, has supported hundreds of young people in Pembrokeshire to learn new skills with confidence. Currently, more than 60 Sea Cadets attend the unit, supported by at least 25 volunteers. However, more are always welcome and needed. The unit is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm, and meets at Milford Haven Sea Cadets, Unit A, Haven's Head Business Park, Milford Haven. Visit the Sea Cadets website to find out more.
Pembrokeshire Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Trefin to host VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations
LANDING CRAFT DISASTER CLAIMED 79 LIVES AS PORT REFUSED ENTRY IN STORM A SOLEMN memorial service was held at Milford Haven Cemetery on Wednesday (April 23) to remember the victims of one of the Royal Navy's most tragic and little-known disasters—an incident in April 1943 which claimed the lives of at least 79 men, many of whom are buried in the town. Officiated by Reverend Father Andrew Johnson of St Katharine and St Peter's Church, the annual service drew a respectful gathering of veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and members of the public, all committed to ensuring the men lost that night are never forgotten. The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath at the memorial alongside cadets Leading Cadet Sophie Jarrett of the Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets, and Patrol Leader Joshua Evans of the 2nd Milford Haven Sea Scouts. The forgotten disaster of April 1943 On the night of April 25–26, 1943, two Royal Navy vessels—Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16, known as LCG(L) 15 and LCG(L) 16—found themselves in peril off the Pembrokeshire coast during a fierce Atlantic gale. Originally built as tank landing craft by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, they had recently been refitted with heavy guns for the Allied invasion of Sicily. Flat-bottomed and top-heavy, they were not designed for rough seas, and their decks quickly flooded as waves battered them in the night. Seeking shelter, both vessels requested permission to enter Fishguard harbour—but were inexplicably refused. They then attempted to make safe haven in Milford Haven. Once again, entry was denied. By the time the vessels reached the waters off Freshwater West, both were in critical danger. LCG 15 was the first to go down, around 11:00pm. LCG 16 remained afloat slightly longer, but was lost soon after midnight. Men were thrown into the freezing, raging sea. Survivors were few. Witnesses at the Angle Aerodrome and from the nearby Angle lifeboat station watched helplessly. Tragically, the lifeboat could not be launched—it was undergoing repairs. HMS Rosemary's doomed rescue attempt The old sloop HMS Rosemary was returning from convoy escort duties when she encountered the unfolding tragedy. The crew attempted to rescue those on LCG 16, firing lines in a desperate effort to reach the sinking vessel. When those failed, six sailors volunteered to take out the small whaler boat to make the perilous crossing by hand. The whaler capsized in the storm. All six men drowned. In total, at least 79 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel perished in the disaster. A Board of Enquiry was convened, but no public explanation was ever given as to why safe harbour was denied. No one was held accountable. A tragedy long kept quiet The scale of the loss was not made public until weeks later, when the issue was raised in Parliament. The First Lord of the Admiralty at the time confirmed that a Board of Enquiry was examining the incident, but a full report was never released. Wartime censorship meant families received limited information, and the public remained unaware of the tragedy for decades. Some of the fallen were laid to rest in their hometowns. Others were buried in Milford Haven Cemetery. Many are still listed as 'missing, presumed killed' and commemorated on the naval memorials at Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham. Among the local burials are: Marine Leslie V. Brackley (CH/X 2851) Lieutenant Douglas A. Burgass (RNVR) Marine Peter Campbell (CH/X 2848) Marine Frederick W.C. Derrick (PO/X 114089) Ordinary Telegraphist James McArdle (C/JX 358916) Able Seaman Geoffrey Lambert (P/JX 143261) Marine Percy W.J. Howard (CH/X 111751) Marine James Sigley (PLY/X 109057) Marine Charles W. Gordon (CH/X 109418) A full list of casualties and their burial or commemoration locations has been compiled by naval historians and volunteers, with the assistance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Local remembrance and national silence Wednesday's service was organised by Milford Haven Town Council. Among those in attendance were Sir Francis Newing, County Councillor Terry Davies, Carys and Siân from Milford Haven Town Band, and representatives from Tom Newing & Sons Ltd Funeral Directors. The Yellow Rose Florist Gift Shop provided a floral wreath. Speaking at the service, Councillor William Elliott said: 'It is a source of pride and sorrow that Milford Haven bears the memory of these lost men. We gather not only to remember them but to remind the world of a tragedy that should never have happened.' Father Andrew Johnson offered prayers and a reflection on lives lost at sea, calling on all present to 'carry the memory of the brave with dignity and purpose.' Commemoration continues Freshwater West is now home to a memorial above the beach, not far from where the ships went down. The cemetery in Milford Haven also bears a permanent tribute. However, historians and relatives continue to call for greater recognition. The Herald understands that efforts are underway to campaign for a formal apology from the Ministry of Defence for the denial of harbour access and lack of accountability. A special event is also being considered to mark the 85th anniversary of the disaster in 2028. Photo caption: We will remember them: A wreath is laid at the Milford Haven Cemetery during Wednesday's memorial service (Pic: MHTC)
