Welsh miners digging for victory on the Western Front Edward Besly, 1 October 2009 The trenches of World War 1 Military Cross (1915), 1914 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal awarded to Captain (later Major) Arthur Edwards. Artists' impression of Edwards' mining exploits. From Deeds that Thrill the Empire, by courtesy of Dix Noonan Webb. Many recipients of the Military Cross arranged to have details of the award engraved on its back. Captain Arthur Edwards from Blaenafon in south Wales oversaw the explosion of the first British mine on the Western Front in March 1915. The First World War (1914-18) is famous for the trench warfare of the Western Front in France and Flanders. Huge armies faced each other in horrible conditions, preparing for the next big battle intended to break the stalemate. Tunnelling and mining on both sides formed a significant part of this trench warfare, as each side tried to gain an advantage. Tunnels were dug underneath "no man's land" and under the enemy's trenches. They were then packed with explosives and detonated. The dry chalk of the Somme was especially suited to mining, but it was also possible to mine in the sodden clay of Flanders. The experience and skills of Welsh miners played an important part in the construction of these mines. Fighting the war underground It was all started by Captain Arthur Edwards, a mining engineer who served in the 2nd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment. In December 1914 the 4th Divisional Mining Party was formed, under Edwards' command. In March 1915, after two months of tunnelling under enemy lines, the tunnels were evacuated, packed with explosives and detonated. The huge explosion caused buildings above ground to be destroyed — the tunnels were under buildings that were being used by enemy snipers. On another occasion, German miners, tunnelling in one direction, broke into allied tunnels being dug in the opposite direction, resulting in fierce hand-to-hand fighting underground. A Badge of Honour In June 1915 Captain Arthur Edwards was awarded the Military Cross, a newly introduced decoration for captains and junior officers. He was also twice mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished service. He served through the War, including the first day of the Battle of the Somme (1 July 1916) before being badly wounded by a gas shell in June 1918. His medals were acquired by Amgueddfa Cymru in 2006. Article by: Edward Besly, Numismatist, Department of Archaeology & Numismatics. Amgueddfa Cymru.
The Miners' Strike - 1984-85 23 September 2009 The coal industry underwent great changes following nationalisation in 1947. Considerable investment was ploughed into the industry by the government allowing new equipment and mining techniques to be introduced. Until the mid 1950s, levels of employment and production remained steady but, with the decline in the demand for coal and the challenge from Middle East oil, 50 collieries were closed in south Wales between 1957 and 1964.During the 1970s, the industry was hit by two major strikes. In 1972 Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath caved in when the miners went on strike for more pay. When another miners' strike began in 1974, Mr Heath called a snap general election hoping to rally public support against the miners. But the public vote went against him resulting in victory for the Labour Party.By the 1980s the British coal industry was one of the safest and most efficient in the world. However, the new Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher wanted to make industry more efficient by slimming down what they regarded as unprofitable industries. Under her leadership, many former state run industries like gas, water and the railways were transferred to private sector ownership i.e. they were privatised. British Telecom was the first service provider to be 'de-nationalised' in 1984, followed by many others in subsequent years. At the same time she wanted to weaken the power of the trade union movement which she believed had become too powerful. This agenda put the Conservative government on a collision course with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Incidentally, the NCB became British Coal in 1987, in readiness for privatisation which occurred in 1994. The Miners' Strike - 1984-1985 Glamorgan Colliery, Llwynypia Bargoed Colliery and surrounding area Strike poster Western Mail article, 14 February 1985 The march back to work, Maerdy, Rhondda South Wales NUM strike poster Rhymney Valley Miners' Support Group newsletter Police and Pickets, Bedwas Colliery Police and Pickets, Bedwas Colliery Strike poster Strike badge Poster produced during the strike Front Page, Labour Weekly 1984 Penallta's oldest picket Arthur Scargill visits Banwen Picket line, Trawsfynydd power station Demonstration in support of the miners, Blaenau Ffestiniog Collecting for the miners, Tonypandy Police and pickets at Nantgarw Colliery Police and pickets at Nantgarw Colliery Christmas party for Miners' children, Banwen, Neath Valley Welsh police on picket duty, English coalfield Strike graffiti, Abercarn Graffiti on an explosives magazine Picket duty at Aberthaw power station Rhymney Valley Women's Support Group Picket line, Penallta Colliery Advertisement produced by the south Wales NUM Wales Congress poster supporting miners Arthur Scargill, Maesteg Lady Windsor Colliery North Celynen Colliery Six Bells Colliery Cwm Colliery, Rhondda Rose Heyworth Colliery, Abertillery Download the PDF here [3.3MB]
Amen Corner's.... Sian Lile-Pastore, 22 September 2009 Malcolm Davies left a message in the Pop Peth exhibition saying 'I was the tenor sax player in Amen Corner's first line up, sept 1966 to May 1967.'Malcolm! We need to know more!
Pop Peth - Music & Me Exhibition opening and events Sian Lile-Pastore, 22 September 2009 The official launch of the Pop Peth Music & Me Exhibition happens this Saturday (26th September). While the Pop Peth Party at 3.30pm is by invitation only the rest of the day is open to everyone.From 11.00 until 1.00 and 2.00 until 4.00 you could make a Fanzine with guest curators Leusa Fflur and Lowri Johnston or you could 'Sleeveface' with Grace Todd. At 1.00 there's a talk with guest curator Gari Melville and at 2.00 a performance and talk with Burum, finally at 3.00 enjoy a set by the other guest curators Llwybr Llaethog
