Community

The 1915 Milford Haven maritime massacre: A tale of valour and loss

Published

3 weeks ago

May 12, 2024

TODAY is the inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day, buy many residents of Milford Haven may not know about the tragic events of 1915, when piracy on the high seas by ‘the enemy’ led to the loss of local fishermen and several trawlers.

In 1915, amidst the backdrop of World War I, Milford Haven’s fishing fleet became the target of ruthless ‘pirate attacks’ as they were reported, which claimed the lives of 47 men and saw the sinking of several trawlers.

These were not isolated incidents but part of a terrifying pattern that emerged during this tumultuous period, carried out by German boats, and submarines, against all British shipping.

The first incident was a brutal attack on the Hirseo.

As the ‘pirates’ opened fire, chaos ensued onboard. The trawler, filled with fishermen, was ill-equipped to handle such an assault. Many crew members were killed instantly, while others, injured and desperate, struggled to survive as the vessel began to sink. The nearby Victoria, in a bid to assist, maneuvered closer but was quickly overwhelmed by gunfire and met the same fate as the Hirseo.

Among those who lost their lives was the chief engineer of the Victoria, Albert Cole, whose earlier premonitions of doom became a grim reality as the ship went down. His final acts, attempting to keep the engine room operational even as the vessel succumbed to the sea, highlighted the bravery and professionalism that defined these men.

***Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telegraph, 1915***

***WW1: The steam trawler Fuschia’s crew was captured by a U-boat***

Simultaneously, the Belgian trawler Delta B also came under attack. The Delta B, which was fishing in proximity to the British trawlers, was besieged by the same group of pirates. It suffered extensive damage and eventually sank, adding to the day’s toll of devastation. The crew, mostly Belgian nationals, faced a fierce battle for survival as they encountered relentless gunfire and the perilous waters of the Irish Sea.

Survivors from these attacks were few and faced grim odds. Those who were rescued recounted their experiences with palpable grief and trauma. They described scenes of fellow crewmen being struck by bullets, the cold embrace of the sea as they leapt overboard, and the slim hopes of rescue amidst the vast, unforgiving waters.

***Danger at sea: German sailors were described as ‘pirates’ by the British press***

The response from Milford Haven to these tragic events was swift and heartfelt. The community rallied to support the grieving families, providing financial aid and organising memorial services. The impact of the losses was felt deeply throughout the community, uniting them in their sorrow and their resolve to prevent future tragedies.

The incidents involving other trawlers, like the Ebor, further underscored the widespread nature of the piracy threat at the time. The Ebor, targeted shortly after the initial attacks, managed to survive the encounter but not without enduring its own harrowing tale of gunfire and evasion.

In the aftermath, additional stories emerged of other nationalities involved, such as Russians, Spaniards, and Norwegians, each sharing their own harrowing escape stories. One poignant testimony came from a Spanish survivor, who detailed his traumatic ordeal in broken English, reflecting not only his personal suffering but also the shared human experience of facing death at sea.

Today, as we reflect on these tragic events, our community not only commemorates those who were lost but also looks to learn from the past. The horrors of the 1915 pirate attacks have instilled a collective resolve to enhance safety and security for all maritime workers, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

This National Fishing Remembrance Day, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who went before us, and let their legacy guide our efforts towards a safer and more secure future for the fishing community of Milford Haven and beyond.

Community

Tegwen Bruce-Deans is winner of Eisteddfod 2024 Main Literary Award

Published

4 days ago

May 31, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT the Main Ceremony of the day (Friday, 31 May) at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024, Tegwen Bruce-Deans from Llandrindod Wells was announced as the festival’s Main Prose Writer. The ceremony was sponsored by Cardiff University.

Mirain Iwerydd from Crymych, Pembrokeshire came second with Heledd Evans from Cardiff taking third place.

Tegwen won the Chair at the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod last year, which makes her the second ever to accomplish the “double win”. This was achieved by Iestyn Tyne in 2019.

The requirements of this year’s Crown competition were to compose a piece or pieces of prose over 2,500 words on the theme ‘Terfynau’ (limits / boundaries). 19 entries were received and the adjudicators, Elin Llwyd Morgan and Caryl Lewis, “enjoyed the process of selecting and discussing the pieces.”

Caryl Lewis was full of praise for the winning entry: “This is a simple but powerful story about a girl who is waiting for her lover at a train station with a message that is unlikely to please him. The style is poetic at times but not embarrassing, and the very last sentence speaks volumes.

“Without question, this is the most polished and sophisticated piece in the competition and the reader can sense that there is an experienced hand at the helm guiding us through the emotional journey. The author has a gritty voice and a natural talent for sensing the rhythm of a story. While reading, we were both completely immersed in the situation and forgot that we were judging. That is the talent of a writer – to create an illusion that we can believe, taking our thoughts to new places.”

In 2022 Tegwen graduated in Welsh from Bangor University. She now lives in Bangor and works for BBC Radio Cymru.

She published her first volume of poetry, ‘Gwawrio’ (dawn), as part of the series ‘Tonfedd Heddiw’ Cyhoeddiadau Barddas. Since then, she has joined the Talwrn Twtil team, and is one of five poets who are part of the Pencerdd project with Literature Wales and Barddas. Her poetic work has appeared in several publications – but this is the first time that her prose work will appear in print.

Jeweller and silversmith Mari Eluned from Mallwyd created this year’s Crown. “My intention was to create a crown with a contemporary feel which conveys the Urdd’s valuable contribution and agricultural communities, such as Maldwyn, and their importance to the future of our culture and language,” Mari explains.

The crown is given by the Montgomeryshire Branch of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

The top three will be invited to take part in a course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Literature Wales in memory of Olwen Dafydd. This is made possible through the Olwen Griffith Trust.

Community

A celebration of Welsh culture: The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024

Published

4 days ago

May 31, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales’ most cherished cultural festivals, is once again illuminating the spirit of Welsh youth and talent. Held annually, this year’s event is bursting with vibrant activities, new initiatives, and an array of cultural showcases that exemplify the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. This year, The Urdd Eisteddfod is being held from 27 May to 1 June at Mathrafal Farm near Meifod, Powys

Triban Festival: A festival within a festival

The Triban Festival, a standout feature of the Eisteddfod since 2022, is back with a bang. Celebrating the best of contemporary Welsh music and culture, Triban Festival is set to enthral attendees today and tomorrow. This year, the festival is curated by five young visionaries, ensuring it resonates deeply with the youth. Aur Bleddyn, one of the curators, highlighted the invaluable experience gained through this role, emphasizing the festival’s youth-centric approach.

The Triban Festival promises a feast of live music, street theatre, comedy, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for all attendees.

Health and wellbeing take centre stage

In a significant move, the Urdd has launched a new health and wellbeing residential course in partnership with PABO (Paid â Bod Ofn – Don’t Be Afraid), led by the pop band Eden. The ‘Sa Neb Fel Ti’ (There’s No One Like You) stage in the Nant Caredig area offers a non-competitive platform for individuals to celebrate their uniqueness through performance.

This partnership will extend beyond the Eisteddfod, with a dedicated ‘PABO Weekend’ at Pentre Ifan Residential Centre in September. Aimed at Urdd members aged 14 and above, this weekend will focus on health and wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

Expanding horizons: The #FelMerch Project in India

The Urdd is also broadening its international impact with the launch of the #FelMerch project in India. Supported by the Welsh Government, this initiative aims to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Kolkata. Partnering with Her Future Coalition (HFC), young Welsh volunteers aged 18-25 will engage in education and support programmes for at-risk children and young people in India.

First Minister Vaughan Gething underscored the significance of this project in raising awareness and providing critical support. This initiative not only offers invaluable experience to Welsh volunteers but also aims to create lasting positive change in the lives of Kolkata’s youth.

Nurturing future talent: Young Cultural International Ambassadors

In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), the Urdd has unveiled a new programme to cultivate the artistic talents of Wales’s youth. Six exceptional performers between 18 and 25 will be chosen from Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024 competitions to become Young Cultural International Ambassadors. This programme, an extension of the successful Urdd Bryn Terfel Scholarship, will provide masterclasses and international performance opportunities, showcasing Welsh talent on a global stage.

Honouring excellence: Crowning Ceremony

A highlight of today’s events is the Crowning Ceremony, set to take place at 2:30 pm at the White Pavilion Stage. This year’s crown, crafted by jeweller Mari Eluned, symbolises prosperity, unity, and hope, featuring elements that reflect the Urdd’s contributions and agricultural heritage.

The competition tasked participants with composing prose on the theme ‘Terfynau’ (limits), judged by Elin Llwyd Morgan and Caryl Lewis. The ceremony promises to be a poignant celebration of literary excellence, with the winner announced live.

Literary legacy: Cyhoeddiadau’r stamp publications

In an exciting development, Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp will publish pamphlets featuring the works of the main literary prize winners, including those of the Drama Medal, the Chair, and the Crown. This collaboration ensures that the winners’ literary contributions are celebrated and accessible, extending the impact of their achievements.

A day with Guto Rhun

Today’s President, Guto Rhun, brings a wealth of experience from his role overseeing Hansh content on S4C. His career, spanning from presenting on Radio Cymru to commissioning diverse content for S4C, reflects his dedication to nurturing new talent and voices in Welsh media.

In a Q&A, Guto shared fond memories of his time with the Urdd, emphasizing the confidence and opportunities it provided, which have been instrumental in his career. His representation from the LGBT community underscores the Urdd’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Anticipating tomorrow: Composer Medal and Eisteddfod Scholarship

Tomorrow’s events include the awarding of the Main Composer Medal and the Eisteddfod Scholarship. The Composer Medal competition, judged by Guto Pryderi Puw and Gareth Glyn, challenges participants to create original compositions in various formats. The scholarship will recognise the most promising competitors in the age group of Year 10 and under 19, providing support and encouragement for the next generation of Welsh talent.

The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh culture and the dynamic potential of its youth. From innovative festivals and health initiatives to international projects and prestigious awards, this year’s Eisteddfod is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. As the events unfold, they not only highlight the achievements of today but also lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future.

Business

Saundersfoot Harbour mobile sauna expected to be approved

Published

4 days ago

May 31, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME for a mobile sauna at a Pembrokeshire seaside village car park by a national park staff member is expected to be approved by the authority next week.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee meeting of June 5, Ms and Miss B and K Rees and Evans are seeking a temporary change of use of land to accommodate a mobile sauna at Saundersfoot Harbour, with planners recommended to conditionally approve the scheme.

The proposal for the off-grid wood-fired sauna, to be sited for up to two years, is being brought to the Development Management Committee as the applicant is a member of staff who works for the authority.

A supporting letter for the application says: “As local businesswomen our aim is to provide affordable outdoor sauna sessions in a beautiful location that is compliant with local town planning regulations.

“We believe the sauna would support the community of local people, and south Pembrokeshire whilst attracting people from further afield, providing an unforgettable experience that has many health benefits.”

It is proposed the sauna would be located on the edge of the harbour car park, on a section of the sea wall.

The supporting letter adds: “There has been a big growth in both cold-water swimming and saunas in the outdoor settings, with over 90 saunas of this kind now in the UK.

“There are already a number of people and groups who go in the sea daily in Saundersfoot. The Bluetits community (which has over 3,000 members in South Pembrokeshire alone), a male group, a Breast Cancer support group to name but a few. Saundersfoot is also famously known for cold water ‘dipping’ with the largest New Years Day swim in Wales which sees thousands of sea swimmers enter the sea, as well as Saundersfoot Triathlon.”

One third party response has been received, saying there was a lack of proper consultation on the scheme, and raising concerns including visual appearance and it not being in keeping with the existing facilities.

An officers’ report for committee members says the principle of development is considered to be acceptable, adding: “Given that the site is within a popular tourist destination, it is not considered that the change of use of land here would be of a scale that is incompatible with the surroundings, and it is not deemed that it would result in visual intrusion since it would be seen in the context of other developments on the harbour.”