Nick Thomas-Symonds MP joined the Cwmbran Historical Society in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Llandow Air Disaster with the unveiling of a framed commemorative plaque at The Greenhouse Inn, Llantarnam, Cwmbran on Friday 14th March.
The disaster saw the Avro 689 Tudor V Star Girl, returning from Dublin Airport, crash on its approach to the Llandow Airfield on Sunday 12th March 1950.
Claiming the lives of 75 rugby fans and five crew members, only three passengers were to survive. At that time, it was acknowledged to be the world’s worst airline disaster.
On the morning of Friday 10th March, a group of seven supporters left The Greenhouse Inn, Llantarnam. Following the car journey to Llandow and prior to boarding their Dublin flight they had a group photograph taken with other travelling fans.
Their ultimate destination was Belfast for the Wales v Ireland match taking place at The Ravenhead Stadium the following day. Wales beat Ireland 6-3 to win the Triple Crown and Grand Slam!
The news of the air disaster, its impact on families and the communities of southeast Wales and Glamorgan was well reported in local newspapers.
Roy Jones, Chairman of the Cwmbran Historical Society, said: “It doesn’t take much imagination to understand the pride and joy felt by all the Welsh supporters eager to get home and share the stories of such an unbelievable success.
Members of the society are acutely aware of the losses that our local community suffered at that time. ‘The Greenhouse Inn’ was the regular meeting place for the casualties drawn from Coed Eva, Llantarnam, St Dials, Cwmbran and Pontnewydd.
We are delighted to take forward this initiative that will serve to remember those from our community who were lost in this terrible but not forgotten disaster.”
Manager of The Greenhouse Inn, Lyndon Edwards, said: “I’m delighted to work with the Historical Society and bring together family members of the casualties to attend this unique commemoration associated with this Pub.”
Dawn Jones, Treasurer of Cwmbran Historical Society highlighted the plaque that uses portrait images of those lost from Cwmbran but also remembers a further six casualties from the north of the Eastern Valley. The group photograph, taken on the fans outward journey is also included.
The Rector of Cwmbran, The Rev’d. Nick Perry along with The Rev’d. Branwen Rees (Minister, Cwmbran United Reformed Church) and Rev’d. Tony Gillard (Pastor, Two Locks Community Church) will offer prayers and readings prior to the formal unveiling by the Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds, MP for Torfaen.
Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “It is a solemn privilege to unveil a commemorative plaque alongside the families of those who lost their lives 75 years ago in the Llandow Air Disaster – with 13 from Torfaen – including a group of 7 from the Greenhouse Pub.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising this ceremony. The plaque will allow our communities – and future generations – to always remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day.”
