FYI Talgarth was contacted by Tilly and her mother Louise, to tell us about her Great Great Uncle who had fallen in the days just after D-Day. Tilly's uncle was Leonard Williams. His story briefly, is as follows, recounted by the families relatives...
Leonard was a scholar at Swansea University BA/MA. Having joined the British Forces, he was sent to France and involved in the major battle at a place called Caen, an important crossroads which had to be taken. Sadly during the campaign, he was caught in mortar fire and fatally killed, taking a near direct hit.
As a University Graduate, he was offered the position of an officer and took it because it meant higher pay, and he had only been married a matter of weeks when he was sent to France. His brother advised him against it, as he did not have a great deal of experience, but the extra pay was essential to a just-married man
His widowed wife Tegwen attended a ceremony later in life when Leonard’s name was added to the cenotaph in Primrose Park, Llansamlet, as it had not been included on the one in Morriston Park. After Leonards death, she later married again but told Leonards family that he was the love of her life and would always be. She died some years ago. The story was brought to Tilly's attention by her Great Uncle Vincent Mullan and her Grandfather Michael Mullan (deceased). Having realised the significance of her Great Great Uncle's sacrifice Tilly and Lousie decided to mark the event of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day with a tribute at the Town's Memorial.
Mayor William Denston Powell started the proceedings by reading a short war poem, and followed by brief introduction for her mother, Lousie. After Tilly laid the wreath, the Last Post was played, and a 2-minute silence was held.
Despite it being impromptu, they were joined by friends and the Mayor of Talgarth William Denston Powell, PCSO Helen Scott of the Dyfed Powys Police and a resident of Talgarth. Team members of Sheppard's Plumbing and Construction, who as a mark of respect closed the office to join in the laying of the wreath also attended and who afterward provided refreshments in their office facing the Memorial.
This was a lovely gesture by the Brecon Unit Army Cadet and so fantastic to see that this young lady felt inspired along with her mum Louise (a newly elected Town Councilor) to perform the duty. Well done Tilly!
Pictured below:
Talgarth Town Councillors Chris Voyle and Malcolm Dodds. Tilly, a member of Brecon Cadet Force with her mother Louise Elston-Reeves and Talgarth Mayor William Denston Powell.
Photos courtesy of Ann Seymour Photography
More stories