Latest news with #RoyalWelshFusiliers
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Wales' oldest man shares memories on VJ Day anniversary
Owen Filer, 105, from Cwmbran, served as a member of the British Military Police in India during the Second World War. He reflected on his experiences as the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Mr Filer said: "When I found out the war was over on VJ Day I didn't celebrate. "I didn't go down the pub, there was no pub. "I was just lucky, and we were just happy the war was over. "We absolutely cannot forget what took place." Called up just four months after the war began, he began his service with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at age 20. After contracting meningitis during training and spending a month in hospital, he was transferred to the British Military Police. Mr Filer was assigned to the 'Vulnerable Points' corps, guarding sites at risk of enemy attack. In January 1944, he sailed to India aboard the RM Ship Cape Town Castle. He said: "I remember smelling the spicy air around the Strait of Gibraltar which was coming from Morocco. "We knew then we were heading for the Far East." Based primarily in Bombay (now Mumbai), he described the conditions as 'primitive.' Mr Filer also recalled missions near the Burma border, supporting operations behind Japanese lines. During his time overseas, his son was born on VE Day. He said: "My boy was nine months old when I first met him. "He was fast asleep when I got home, and I was desperate to pick him up. "I had to wait until the morning, that was tough." Mr Filer will attend a special VJ Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum, hosted by the Royal British Legion. He regularly visits his local primary school to share his wartime experiences and emphasise the importance of remembrance.
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)
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pembrokeshire town's VE Day commemorations led by 99-year-old veteran
The beacon blazes on Castle Hill. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) A 99-year-old Pembrokeshire war veteran was at the centre of VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Tenby. 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)
Leader Live
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Andrew Ranger MP highlights importance of Hightown Barracks to Wrexham
MP for Wrexham In 2027 we will mark 150 years since the establishment of the Hightown Barracks in Wrexham. The symbol of the proud military history of our city. In both World War One and World War Two, the Barracks were the site of regimental basic training before new recruits were deployed. This is particularly poignant as this week marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. On a recent visit to Hightown Barracks, I met with Colonel Nick Lock to explore the work of the Hightown Barracks today. It was saved in 2013 after a huge community effort led by former MP Ian Lucas and local councillors Graham Rogers and Brian Cameron amongst many others, including myself. I was struck by Colonel Lock's description of the pride that Wrexham feels in its connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, embodied by the campaign to save the barracks. Colonel Lock and I also discussed the difficulties our armed forces currently face after years of cuts and in the context of a rapidly changing global situation. As a former Air Cadet myself and having met current cadets, serving personnel and veterans, I understand the value of a military career, the skills that are developed but also the challenges that can be faced when that career ends. Earlier this year I was proud to be a member of the bill committee for the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for personnel and their families to raise service issues affecting their lives, from kit, to housing, to childcare. The independent Commissioner will have proper powers to investigate issues affecting service life, make recommendations, and report to Parliament. They will also have access to personnel, information, and to defence sites. And we want them to hold us to account, too. According to the House of Commons Library, there are an estimated 3,450 households in Wrexham who have at least one military veteran. Veteran support is crucial, which is why the UK Government has launched the VALOUR system to ensure easier access to essential care and support. For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility. VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans' full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities. And where Veterans have complex needs, Valour will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to their need. VALOUR is backed by £50 million of funding, which will help ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support. That funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres in every nation of the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – using data to shape better services. As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe this week, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, commemorate and remember. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country. Theirs is the ultimate public service. These are serious times, with war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression and increasing global instability. The lessons of the Second World War where countries and peoples came together to defeat fascism and defend our freedoms must never be forgotten.
Leader Live
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Wrexham MP highlights importance of Hightown Barracks
MP for Wrexham In 2027 we will mark 150 years since the establishment of the Hightown Barracks in Wrexham. The symbol of the proud military history of our city. In both World War One and World War Two, the Barracks were the site of regimental basic training before new recruits were deployed. This is particularly poignant as this week marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. On a recent visit to Hightown Barracks, I met with Colonel Nick Lock to explore the work of the Hightown Barracks today. It was saved in 2013 after a huge community effort led by former MP Ian Lucas and local councillors Graham Rogers and Brian Cameron amongst many others, including myself. I was struck by Colonel Lock's description of the pride that Wrexham feels in its connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, embodied by the campaign to save the barracks. Colonel Lock and I also discussed the difficulties our armed forces currently face after years of cuts and in the context of a rapidly changing global situation. As a former Air Cadet myself and having met current cadets, serving personnel and veterans, I understand the value of a military career, the skills that are developed but also the challenges that can be faced when that career ends. Earlier this year I was proud to be a member of the bill committee for the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for personnel and their families to raise service issues affecting their lives, from kit, to housing, to childcare. The independent Commissioner will have proper powers to investigate issues affecting service life, make recommendations, and report to Parliament. They will also have access to personnel, information, and to defence sites. And we want them to hold us to account, too. According to the House of Commons Library, there are an estimated 3,450 households in Wrexham who have at least one military veteran. Veteran support is crucial, which is why the UK Government has launched the VALOUR system to ensure easier access to essential care and support. For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility. VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans' full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities. And where Veterans have complex needs, Valour will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to their need. VALOUR is backed by £50 million of funding, which will help ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support. That funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres in every nation of the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – using data to shape better services. As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe this week, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, commemorate and remember. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country. Theirs is the ultimate public service. These are serious times, with war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression and increasing global instability. The lessons of the Second World War where countries and peoples came together to defeat fascism and defend our freedoms must never be forgotten.
