The Royal Welsh Regiment exercised their Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent when they paraded proudly through Brynmawr town centre on Saturday.
The parade was followed by the unveiling of a commemorative stone for CSM John Henry Williams, formally of Nantyglo. CSM Williams received the Victoria Cross for his bravery and initiative on the night of 7th - 8th October 1918, during an attack on Villers Outreaux, France, during the final months of World War I. The unveiling will take place outside Nantyglo Senior Citizens’ Hall with members of Mr Williams’ family present.
The event, which took place on Saturday, 22nd September, was organised in partnership with Blaenau Gwent Council; Brynmawr Town Council and the Royal Welsh Regiment.
The Royal Welsh last exercised its freedom of the county borough six years ago when troops paraded through Ebbw Vale. The regiment has recently returned from deployment to Estonia and thought it was an appropriate time to re-affirm the freedom.
On the day around 120 troops took form on Market Square. A short ceremony commenced involving an inspection of the troops and speeches before troops marched through the town up Beaufort Street, along King Street, down Somerset Street and back to the Market Square along Bailey Street.
As part of the Centenary of the Armistice of World War I every person who was awarded the Victoria Cross has had a stone produced to commemorate their bravery. This is to be installed in the place of their birth. For more information on John Henry Williams and why he received the VC visit: http://www.thevalleys.co.uk/heroes-search/hero.aspx?h=1
The unveiling was led by Reverend Roy Waton and included contributions from Blaenau Gwent Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Brian Thomas, and Mr Williams’s family.
Brynmawr Market Hall Cinema had a special showing of the film ‘War Horse’ on the day, too.
Blaenau Gwent Council is a strong supporter of the Armed Forces and Councillor Brian Thomas chairs the Armed Forces Covenant Steering Group.
He says: “As a group we promote the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. This Parade and the stone unveiling are both parts of a wider project called ‘Blaenau Gwent Remembers’, which is being delivered in partnership by the steering group and is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. It is being delivered in the run up to the Armistice Centenary to raise awareness, to remember our armed forces heritage, and to celebrate our current armed forces.”
Ann Page, the granddaughter of John Henry Williams, says:
“We are immensely proud of our grandfather, John Henry Williams, and very grateful that the people of Blaenau Gwent share our pride and help to keep his memory alive by also involving school children in memorial events.
“It is important for all ages to be reminded, not only of the courageous actions of our Grandfather, but also of the sacrifices made by so many young men and their families during WW1. Our Grandfather and all VC winners have a special place in our history - as the bravest of the brave.”