1911 Llanelli Railway Strike Remembrance Events

In 1911 the first National Railway strike was called due to the extremely poor wages being paid to railway workers, many of whom were unable to feed their families.

Only in Llanelli was the railway blocked by pickets at the Station Road crossing, supported by several thousand local people. Winston Churchill, then home secretary, called in the army to reopen the line.

The Riot Act was read by a local magistrate in an attempt to brake up the picket. When soldiers were pelted with stones a firing party was drawn up and the order given to fire, killing 2 young men watching from a back garden at 6, High Street.

A riot followed centred on the property of the magistrates and the Railway goods yard. At the time of the shooting the strike had been settled in the worker’s favour but word had not yet reached Llanelli.

2014 Events

Wednesday August 13th : Themed “Railway Riots” musical folk evening at the Queen Victoria Club, Victoria Road., Llanelli 7.30 pm onwards, hosted by Llanelli Folk club.

Thursday August 14th: Historians’ Forum, where historians familiar with the period talk about and answer questions on the issues, hosted by Llanelli Rural Council Theme “1911 to 1914” starts 5.00pm in the Council Chamber, Vauxhall, Llanelli.

Both are free entry events. Further details from our secretary John Willock on 07779772770.

Sat August 16th Commemorative March

March will be lead by the Cambria Marching Band and supported by the Cor Cochion Caerdydd / Cardiff Red Choir

Starts at Llanelli Railway Station Assemble 12 for 12.30pm, proceeds to no. 6 High Street where the Riot Act is read at the site of the shootings.

Then on to Llanelli Town Centre where local dignitaries and invited guests will give short speeches and the choir will sing. [aproximately 1.00pm]

Finally, the march ends in the Box Cemetery where the 2 young men are buried and wreaths are laid.

The march is open to everyone and you are free to join in and leave at any time or just watch !