Remembrance

On Sunday 2 April 2006 there was a graveside service to Pte Penry Morgan of the Grenadier Guards on the anniversary of his death 91 years ago.

A web page about Penry can be found by clicking on the Roll of Honour on the far left of the screen or CLICK HERE

A small parade consisting of the Gloucestershire branch of the Grenadier Guards Association, CADESA (Cwmbran and District Ex-Servicemens Association) and the Royal Engineers Association formed in the car park of the nearby public house, the Greenhouse and then marched to the entrance of St Michaels and All Angels church, Llantarnam, Gwent.

Pte Penry Morgan is buried in the only Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard and it is located at the rear of the church. The parade was halted at the entrance to the church and then dismissed as the route to the grave through the church is unsuitable for marching.

The ex-servicemen followed by many family members proceeded to the grave where the Revd Gareth Evans, vicar of the church was awaiting their arrival.

When everyone was in their positions the Vicar started the service with an introduction about Penry and his regiment and describing the manner in which he was mortally wounded at the battle of Neuve Chapelle on 12 March 1915.

This was followed by readings from the bible, prayers and then the Lords Prayers.

Following the Lords Prayer, the Guard of Honour was brought to attention and the Exhortation was said which was then followed by the Last Post, 1 min silence and then the Reveille. There then followed the laying of wreaths, firstly by Doreen Meredith the 91 year old daughter of Penry, then the Grenadier Guards Association and then by CADESA and the Royal Engineers.

Finally the Vicar the Rev Gareth Evans then gave his blessing and the dismisal.

Afterwards everyone went to the local Territorial Army Centre where there were refreshments available from the bar and a buffet that was set up by Dawn Jones, June Tamplin and June McGuire with other trays of delights brought along by other family members.

This event turned out to be, not only a great tribute to one of our family members that made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country during war time but also a very successful family reunion.