Dyfed-Powys Police to commemorate The Great War of 1914-18

The year 2014 commences 4 years of significant commemorations of The Great War of 1914 –18. Dyfed-Powys Police will mark this momentous event, which involved great national and individual sacrifice on a scale unimaginable today, as part of our contribution to the memory of those police officers who paid the ultimate price, but also those affected as a consequence of those events.

Police Officers from the Constituent Forces of Dyfed-Powys showed exceptional bravery when they volunteered for service in the military, even though they were excused due to their occupation, and some did not return.

We have collated as many of the names of these officers as possible, and a memorial plaque has been created with all these names which will be displayed in the Dyfed-Powys Police HQ in Llangunnor, Carmarthen. The plaque will be unveiled at a service of dedication at an official ceremony.

They now have 15 names from across the force area, which have been checked and researched.

Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, and Chair of ACPO Cymru, Simon Prince said: “Dyfed-Powys Police has a fascinating history, with many officers serving in both the military and policing during their careers. It is fitting that we mark this centenary, and we thank the public for the very positive response and immense interest shown to our request for names and information. The replies we received contained a wealth of facts and details relating to the officers The exceptional bravery and sacrifice by these officers who volunteered for service in The Great War will never be forgotten.”

“It is important that we all take time to come together and remember the great sacrifices made by the people who gave their lives so we could live our lives freely. By reflecting on sacrifices of the fallen, and the great privileges that we enjoy today, we honour and pay tribute to their bravery, commitment and dedication. By remaining in all our thoughts and memories, they will all live on forever.”

Any descendants of the officers on this list are encouraged to get in touch with the Police, as they would be very welcome in the service of dedication. Please call 101 or email kevin.smith@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk

BRECONSHIRE

L/Cpl William DAVIES (37119) R.W.F. 22nd June 1916

Cpl Arthur Allen GRIFFITHS (1319) Welsh Guards 5th March 1917

Pte Edward HATCHER (1321) Welsh Guards 10th September 1916

Gnr Chas E. MARTIN (57582) R.G.A. 16TH January 1917

Bombadier (Cpl) Thomas PITMAN (57583) R.G.A. 9th May 1918

CARDIGANSHIRE

P.C. Thomas DAVIES (1446) Welsh Guards 27th September 1915

CARMARTHENSHIRE

P.C. Thomas Lewis BENNETT (175528) Royal Engineers 20th November 1917

P.C. Rees CONNICK (K/53680) R.N. 20th September 1918

P.C. Edgar Emlyn EVANS (25838) Grenadier Guards 4th April 1918

P.C. John William FARRELL (W5188) R.F.A. 10th June 1917

MONTGOMERYSHIRE

P.C. George BREESE (355441) R.W.F. 22nd November 1917

P.C. Charles HAMER (1770) (L/Cpl Welsh Guards) 10th September 1916

PEMBROKESHIRE

P.C.69 Walter EDWARDS (1750) Welsh Guards 1st December 1917

P.C.76 Arthur EDWARDS (64876) R.F.A. 25th March 1918

P.C.66 Henry Thomas COFFEY (Pte 3/31843) S.W.B. 6th September 1918

RADNORSHIRE

(Chief Constable) Major Harold Hickman BROMFIELD 10th September 1916