'Honouring countless stories of courage... told and untold'

THE Prime Minister has paid tribute to Wales’ contribution to victory in World War II, citing “countless stories of huge heroism”.

- CHRISTOPHER McKEON

Today marks 80 years since the formal surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe, although the war against Japan would continue until August 15, 1945.

In a poignant messsage, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Wales was at the heart of the war effort. Welsh coal had powered British naval ships, child evacuees found safety in the Welsh countryside, whilst Cardiff and Swansea both faced aerial bombardment from the Luftwaffe.

“And on the frontlines in Europe, Welsh regiments fought fiercely against fascism. In 1944, the 53rd Welsh Division landed in Normandy. They saw heavy fighting, sustaining almost 4,000 casualties. But amongst the chaos there were countless stories of huge heroism.

“Lieutenant Tasker Watkins of 1/5th Battalion, the Welch Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. His company was alone and surrounded when they were challenged by the enemy. Part of his citation reads, 'He ordered his men to scatter and himself charged the post with a Bren gun and silenced it. He then led the remnants of his company back to battalion headquarters.' Lieutenant Watkins went on to become Welsh Lord Chief Justice of Appeal and president of the Welsh Rugby Union until 2004.

"But for the few stories of courage we do know, I know there are many more stories which go untold. Every last person deserves our respect and utmost gratitude for their service.

"It’s because of the bravery of those Welsh men and women that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Whenever I meet veterans, it is the greatest privilege of my job to thank them for their service and their sacrifice.