Dyfed Family History Society Haverfordwest branch members received a warm welcome from the Sunderland Trust team when 17 members and guests attended the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre for a talk by Gareth Mills (pictured).

Gareth presented us with a brilliant, educational and engaging insight into his book, ‘The Friendly Invasion - The American GIs in Pembrokeshire 1943-44’ which is a collection of reminisces from American GIs themselves, local Pembrokeshire people who remember the events, and even a GI baby!

The period covered was October 1943 when the US Navy arrived in Hakin to April 1944 when the GIs left to prepare for D-Day and illustrated the social aspects of the meeting of these two cultures over this relatively short period; focusing on the 110th Regiment that was billeted around the Pembroke Dock area.

One of our guests on the night, Dennis Williams, was able to add his own personal additional detail and photos to the proceedings as he was 10-years-old at the time and participated in the entertainment of the GIs at Llanion; for which he received an American Army issue bible and prayer book which he still treasures today, 62 years later!

Gareth was able to evoke many happy memories of events from the period but also the heart breaking outcome of the conflict where the 110th Regiment suffered over 9,000 casualties, many at two of the bloodiest battles of the war - The Battle of the Bulge and the lesser-known Huertgen Forest where the 110th Regiments loses were severe.

Huw James gave the votes of thanks to Gareth on behalf of the branch and everyone agreed it had been a very enjoyable and thoughtprovoking talk. Most members purchased a copy of Gareth’s book, proceeds of which goes to The Sunderland Trust.

Thanks also go to the other volunteers who turned out on a Monday evening to make our visit so special - Chris Howell for getting us organised and the three Gills for the coffee!