Llanyrafon Manor is going back in time to World War Two this weekend (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June). The Cwmbran landmark was home to the Land Girls during the war and is the venue for two days of music, food, memorabilia and memories from that period.
Julie Nelson, who runs the Manor, has invited some veterans including Ron Jones, who after being captured by German soldiers in North Africa, was taken to Auschwitz where he was a prisoner from October 1943 to January 1945.
His memories are recorded in his book The Auschwitz Goalkeeper: A Prisoner of War’s True Story.
Watch Ron in this BBC feature
Dave Edwards
Dave, from Abergavenny, found a photograph of a house lying in the rubble of a building while he was fighting in France in 1944. Read this incredible story on BBC Wales about how it led to a school being named after him and Welsh schoolchildren going on visits to learn about the war. His story and photo featured in the Daily Mirror when 44 French children came to meet him at Llanyrafon Manor two years ago.
Watch Dave in this BBC Feature
Julie said: “Re-enactors from all over the UK will be joining us, including Dog Company and The Welsh Tommies. Visitors can see kit displays and listen to talks. One of the Manor’s rooms will be a place where veterans can share their memories.
“We are honoured and privileged that Ron and Dave will be attending. Their stories are incredible and should be shared so we never forget what they did for our country. The grounds around the Manor will be packed with WWII vintage vehicles and artillery.
“This is an event for everyone, while having an opportunity to thank our brave veterans and listen to their incredible memories.”
Entry to the event
There will be a small entry fee on the day with donations made to the British Legion and St John Cymru Wales.
Llanyrafon Manor in WWII
This info is from the WWII and Beyond page on the Manor’s website.
“The Farm was used heavily during both World Wars as a base of food production. During the First World War, the site hosted three prisoners of war, two Austrians named Andrew and Karl and one Pole named Paul. We know that Paul became particularly attached to the Farm and remained here until 1922 when he was forced to return home.
“The Farm continued to produce cider following the War and remained mostly self-sufficient. Today, the site of the cider mill is contested although it may have been sited in the end of the Roofless Barn. During WWI, Rupert Pilliner attempted to produce electricity to supply the House through a water wheel positioned on the end of the Barn. Sadly his efforts were ended when he was killed during the War.
“The Manor also played a large part during WWII. The land was largely farmed by the Women’s Land Army, otherwise known as the ‘Land Girls’. They worked incredibly long hours and carried out heavy, manual work to provide food for the population while their husbands, sons and brothers were away fighting. Jobs included milking cows, lambing, ploughing, gathering crops, digging ditches and even catching rats.”