Four World War II Veterans were guests of honour at a special VE-Day 80th anniversary event at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre this month when a book containing their wartime memories was launched.

They were Tony Bird (Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy), from Freshwater East; Idwal Davies (Queen's Own Hussars), from Llanelli: Duncan Hilling (Royal Welsh Fusiliers), from Saundersfoot, and Archie Thomas (Royal Navy Beach Commando), from Aberafon.

And a special video message was delivered by a fifth Veteran, John 'Bob' Roberts, an Arctic Convoy Veteran, from Presteigne in Powys.

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust hosted a gathering of over 100 people on behalf of Age Cymru Dyfed and the VC Gallery, organisations which do remarkable work for and within the Veterans’ community.

Other chief guests were Miss Sara Edwards, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Councillor Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Col James Phillips, Veterans Commissioner for Wales, and Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces who served in more recent times.

Also welcomed were family members of World War II servicemen who made the supreme sacrifice and who are remembered in displays in the heritage centre.

Very popular was the new book featuring the Veterans’ stories - ‘World War II Voices from Wales’ co-authored by Hugh Morgan of Age Cymru Dyfed and former Pembrokeshire journalist Greg Lewis, in conjunction with publishers Y Lolfa.

Jeeps and a military Land Rover lined up at the Heritage Centre to welcome the World War II Veterans. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography
Jeeps and a military Land Rover lined up at the Heritage Centre to welcome the World War II Veterans. (Pic: Martin Cavaney Photography)

This is very much a ‘book day’ as another author, George Edmunds of Weymouth, was on hand to promote his book, entitled ‘Call Sign N for Nuts’, which details one of the headline stories involving wartime Pembroke Dock - the clash between an Australian Sunderland flying boat and German fighters over the Bay of Biscay in June 1943.

Veterans’ memories captured on a film were shown and there was a lively question and answer session involving the four chief guests.

And in a special tribute to the wartime veterans, military vehicles, including five Jeeps, were displayed by their owners in the grounds of the Heritage Centre.

Copies of both new books are available to purchase at the Heritage Centre 01646 684220.