Memorial for Welsh Guards lost in Afghan conflict planned

THE first public memorial for the Welsh Guards who died during the 20-year Afghanistan conflict could be consecrated in Wrexham next year.

- By ALEC DOYLE Local Democracy Reporter

The regiment, which was awarded the Freedom of the County Borough in 2014, has requested permission to place it in the Memorial Garden at Bodhyfryd.

The regiment already has a memorial to those who gave their lives in the Falklands in the garden.

In its request, the Welsh Guards explained that there is no dedicated Welsh Guards public memorial in Wales for soldiers who fell in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021.

It added there was an 'emotional and symbolic importance to providing a place of reflection and remem brance for families, veterans, and the wider community impacted by the conflict.

The regiment is fully funding the memorial, which will be a Celtic cross made of Welsh slate in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

On Tuesday, September 16, the request will be considered by the council's executive board.