SOUTH WALES POLICE ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE TODAY

Colleagues and families of police officers and staff who have died while in service were invited to attend a special remembrance ceremony, at police headquarters in Bridgend today (November 9).

The force’s annual service of remembrance, where fallen officers from both World Wars are also commemorated, was led by Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis and officiated by the force Chaplain the Reverend Glynne James and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff, the Most Rev. George Stack.

Some of the direct descendants of the police officers who lost their lives during the First World War were also in attendance. They included the grandson of ex-rugby international Dick Thomas, who was killed in action at Mametz Wood in 1916.

The granddaughter of the former Glamorgan and Neath police officer Ernest Rollings, who survived the war, and who is reported to have helped to hasten its end, was also in attendance.

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis said:

“Our annual Remembrance ceremony is held in memory of all colleagues who have passed away while serving the force and its communities. It’s also one which serves as an appropriate reminder to us all of the relevance and importance of police family.

This year the ceremony also paid tribute to the great sacrifice made by the police officers of our predecessor forces who served during the First World War, but particularly those who so selflessly gave their lives.

In total 93 officers who served with our predecessor forces died during the First World War. Their service and sacrifice acknowledged in a series of booklets created annually in their memory. The final booklet in the series, 1918, is also now available on the force website.”

This series of booklets forms part of the forces contributions to mark the end of the Centenary. In addition, a permanent exhibition has been created within the Heritage Centre, based at police Headquarters in Bridgend which also carries The Royal British Legions nationwide #ThankYou100 campaign logo.

DCC Lewis added:

“It is in the telling of the stories that this force hopes to convey our deepest gratitude, but most importantly to ensure their contributions are never forgotten.”

Chief Constable, Matt Jukes will also attend the National Service of Remembrance and National Thanksgiving Service – Armistice 100 in Cardiff to honour the fallen this Remembrance weekend. He said:

“I and many of my colleagues will be attending a number of events taking place across the force area and nationally for Wales this weekend, to reflect on the sacrifice made by people from across our communities, but also to recognise the role of police officers in conflict and at home during times of war.

“I am particularly grateful to the many volunteers across the country who work so tirelessly to help keep their memories alive”.