South Wales Western Front Association

The South Wales branch of the Western Front Association played an important role in Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914‑1918.

The South Wales branch took the lead and organised the commemoration of the Battle of Mametz Wood which occurred in the second week of the Battle of the Somme, and where the 38th (Welsh) Division suffered over 4,000 casualties of whom over 1,000 were killed.

The National Service of Remembrance was held on 7 July 2016 at the Welsh dragon memorial at Mametz Wood in France and was attended by the then First Minister Rt Hon Carwyn Jones MS, other dignitaries and over 1,000 members of the public. The service was followed by a concert in the Basilica of Albert given by the Treorchy Male Voice Choir. Alongside this commemoration event, the South Wales branch was active throughout the centenary period and gave talks to community groups, helped local groups establish or refurbish memorials, undertook research for members of the public and arranged annual visits to France and Belgium where the branch maintained and forged links with individuals and groups. Find out more: www.westernfrontassociation.com/branches/united-kingdom/ wales-south/

Right: Western Front Association South Wales Branch. Band of the Royal Welsh March Past © Phil Davies