Briton Ferry Boys at the Front Fund Committee

Briton Ferry at the outbreak of war was in many ways a typical Welsh industrial town. A century earlier, it had been a picturesque spot and the haunt of artists, but after the establishment of an iron works there in 1846, the hamlet grew into a village and then a town, with employment at the smelting works, railways and docks.

The town was well used to running its own affairs and had an identity that was separate from Neath. It had formed a Local Board in 1864 which became an Urban District in 1894. When war began, once it became clear that this would be a lengthy conflict, communities across the country began to take steps to mark the contribution made by their citizens. This took a variety of forms. Some sent parcels of supplies to the front, while others preferred to make commemorative presentations. In 1916 Briton Ferry formed the Boys at the Front Fund Committee, which raised money to fund the purchase of watches for the men. After the war was over, the remaining balance of the fund was used to pay for the war memorial, which stands today on Neath Road.

Here at West Glamorgan Archives we hold a very complete record of what the committee achieved, which includes lists of men who served, service records of soldiers who were decorated, planning papers for the war memorial and orders of proceedings for its dedication on 12 November 1921. Although it is a story that was replicated over and over again in towns up and down the country, these records are important because they still survive to show how much care and respect went into recognising the contribution of those who fought and died in the First World War.

Download a large version of the war memorial dedication and Roll of Honour (PDF) [1MB](opens new window)

Download a large version of the list of Briton Ferry servicemen (PDF) [4MB](opens new window)

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