War Memorials Research Project
Mumbles War Memorials Research Project
This material, the result of our research is revealed in a medium, which was not yet available to us when our project began back in 1993.
We had access to a very primitive photocopier, but no PC, snail mail instead of email, no google search or maps and when on tour, no GPS, mobile phones or iPad.
Our first Display shows the results of our initial researches
The OHA Exhibition at Ostreme was opened by Dr John Alban, West Glamorgan Archivist. Also pictured are researchers: Tony Cook, Peter Dover-Wade, Andrew Vollans and John Powell, as well as Wendy Cope, OHA Archivist,1993.
We are also grateful for the eager assistance of Jonathan Cook, Linda Cook, Edna Davies, Sue Vollans and many others who have given freely of their time.
Thanks is also due to the relatives of the casualties, who kindly shared their stories and loaned us their valuable memorabilia for the display.
The research and display resulted in requests for a visit to the graves of the 'Mumbles Men,' who lie on the Great War Battlefields.
Coach Tours were organised, ending with the tour in 2000 and later these were followed by several 'research visits,' during which we were able to walk over the 'front line'.
The project began, as we felt the need to commemorate the Mumbles men’s sacrifices in the Great War in a different and more tangible way.
Consequently investigations began to ‘get to know’ more of the backgrounds of the men behind the ninety-eight names inscribed on the rood screen in All Saints’ Church. Gradually, with the addition of fifteen extra names, not included on the original list, the total grew to one hundred and twelve casualties.
Our first Tour Dinner at Albert, The Somme, 1994
Tony Cook, Peter Dover-Wade, John Powell, Steve Austin, Superintendent of Newfoundland Memorial Park and his wife Cathy, as well as Sue & Andrew Vollans, 1994
The war remains too immense a tragedy to comprehend, until it is seen in terms of losses to real families in identifiable small villages such as our own.
The group visit the Battlefield Cemeteries
During our Battlefield tour to The Somme, France, c1995, Eric Thomas and his wife lay a Poppy Wreath, while Mick Micklewright, and researchers, Peter Dover-Wade and Tony Cook, study their records.
A visit to the grave of Thomas Frederick BROWN M.M.
on behalf of his daughter, Mrs Ewing
Peter Dover-Wade at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, near Calais