Remembrance

No town in the country, according to its size, lost more than Bridgend in the war – in all 144 – representing all classes – the wealthy, the middle classes and the poor.

The memorable day opened most auspiciously. Friday’s weather conditions were simply ideal, of the cold, nippy brand which made it imperative to be constantly on the alert. The sky was as cloudless as any day during the phenomenal summer, the sun shining, minus the heat, of which we recently complained bitterly, and a little of which would now have been ever so welcome.

The memorial and nothing but the memorial was the theme of conversation.

The religious service (starting in hushed silence) was most impressive – one in which all could join, and did join most heartily. After the singing of the hymn “Oh God our Help in Ages Past”, Rev D S Jones read the lesson Wisdom Chap ii 1-9ch v., 15-17.

Col. Nichol performed the unveiling ceremony and the vicar read the prayer of dedication. “In the faith of Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God, and in memory of the men of Bridgend, who gave their lives in the great war” The two minutes silence was solemnly observed, the Last Post was sounded by Trooper Jones from Porthcawl from the parapet of of Messrs. Thompson and Shackell’s shop: and then broke out the most moving of all Welsh hymns “Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau”

In the evening the ex-Servicemen’s band played a selection of music in front of the Town Hall. Until late, Dunraven Square continued to be thronged and the people – as directed by the police – walked round in a circle surveying the floral display at the base of the cenotaph.

Early on the Sunday morning there forgathered little groups of women, and some alone (women who never forget) who reverently deposited more floral tributes – emblems of the Risen Life and of the bright and better land where, surely, all the never to be forgotten heroes await their infinite reward.

We will remember them.

The Glamorgan Gazette reported on the event in the edition published on November 18th, 1921.