Next Thursday, April 25, marks the 70th anniversary of a tragic maritime disaster off the South Pembrokeshire coast.

While transporting two brand new landing craft from Harland and Wolff's shipyard in Belfast to Falmouth, a design fault found the two landing craft guns, containing a total of 79 sailors and Royal Marines, in trouble as a gale blew up.

All 79 lives were lost, 50 bodies were recovered and 29 were lost at sea.

A commemorative stone is in place at Freshwater West to mark this tragic loss of lives.

Sadly, the memorial itself and the land surrounding have not been maintained.

District Parade Marshal and Pembroke Town Councillor David Boswell, however, has been working with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association with the aim of making much-needed improvements to the site.

After gaining the permission of the land owner, Mr. Boswell, together with his colleague, Mr. Phil Griffiths, purchased materials to improve the surrounds and have erected a railing to both sides of the path to make it accessible for all.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the accident, Mr. Boswell, together with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association, has arranged a commemorative service to take place at the site next Thursday, April 25, at 3 pm. All are welcome and those are attending are advised to arrive by 2.30 pm for parking.