Swansea remembers war heroes

A plaque commemorating the efforts of a battalion of Swansea soldiers during the first world war has been unveiled at the city's Dylan Thomas Centre.

The ceremony was arranged by leading members of Swansea Council to remember servicemen of the 14th (Service) Battalion, affectionately known as the 'Swansea Pals'.

Veterans from past conflicts joined Swansea Councillors, local AM's and relatives of the servicemen at a special ceremony, which also inlcuded many high ranking military officials.

Brigadier Robert H T Aitken, Colonel fo the Royal Regiment of Wales unveiled the commemorative plaque. He paid tribute to the brave Swansea Pals, saying ,"It's a huge privelege to unveil this plaque today.

"The Swansea Pals brave and heroic actions during the Great War are well documented in history and it is to commemorate these actions that we find ourselves here today.

Brigadier Aitken further commented on the contribution of the Swansea soldiers saying, "The spirit of Swansea was right there until the end."

Almost 600 hundred of the men, all from Swansea, lost their lives in a number of conflicts in the first world war. Most notoriously was the conflict at Mametz Wood on July 10 1916, in which 100 of the Swansea Pals lost their lives.

Relatives of some of the servicemen also attended the special ceremony. Jean and John Muxworthy from Fforestfach remembered their uncle, David Evans, who lost his life. Jean Said, "My whole family are thrilled that all these men are getting such a worthy tribute. It's very important that we remember them all."

Swansea Councillor John Hague has led the campaign for the plaque since visiting the site of the Mametz Wood battle with members of the Dunvant Rugby Club Singers.

Councillor Hague said, "Our visit to the site of the Mametz Wood battle prompted the idea to fulfill a promise to recognise the sacrifice made by the Swansea Pals.

"I'm delighted that these men will receive the tribute they deserve. "

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