THE momentous events of 75 years ago when the Admiralty oil tanks at Llanreath, Pembroke Dock were bombed by the German Luftwaffe were remembered yesterday (Wednesday).

Firemen of the present day and family members of firemen from the past joined with community representatives on Wednesday to mark the occasion with a special service at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club.

The outdoor service at the former site of the oil depot had to be moved inside because of bad weather.

Representatives of both the Mid and West Wales and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Services, and their immaculate Colour Parties, took part in the memorial service which was led by the Rev Nicky Skipworth, of the United Parish of Pembroke Dock.

Also on parade was the Standard of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Branch, Royal British Legion, and the Parade Marshall was Councillor David Boswell.

Gareth Mills, Chairman of the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust - which co-ordinated arrangements for the event - welcomed everyone and the accompanist was Brian Lavender.

Bible readings were by the Revs Caroline Mansell and Marina Evans, of the Pembroke Dock Parish, and by Councillor Wynne Evans, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council and chair of the Fire Authority.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mick Crennell, of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Richard Matheson, Area Manager of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, both gave an address and Mr Matheson also read the Roll Call of the five Cardiff firemen who were killed on the third day of the blaze - which raged for 18 long days. The Fireman’s Prayer was read by Chris Rees-Veel, formerly of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Wreaths were laid by the two fire services, by Councillor Wynne Evans for Pembrokeshire County Council; by the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Peter Kraus, on behalf of the Town Council, the Pembroke Dock community and the Sunderland Trust; by Young Firefighter Rhys Coaker for Pembroke Dock Fire Station and by Mrs Donna Bowerman, representing the families of the five Cardiff firemen.

Last Post and Reveille was played by Jason Osborn and the closing prayer was led by Canon Illtyd Protheroe, Chaplain to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Among others present were the Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Pauline Waters, and the Rev Liz Squires, of Pennar Community Church.

A notable absentee, due to illness, was fire veteran Ted Owens, of Pembroke Dock, who in 1940 was a 16-year-old messenger boy for the Pembroke Dock Fire Brigade involved in supporting the firefighters for many days and nights.

Two of the families of Cardiff firemen who lost their lives were represented, along with families of other firemen who were among many receiving awards for bravery in 1940. And representatives of organisations which in 1940 were heavily involved in supporting the firefighting, including the Red Cross, WRVS and Ambulance Service.

A permanent memorial stone to the five Cardiff firemen is located at the golf clubhouse.

Following the service many of the guests visited the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre where there are special displays marking the 75th anniversary of the raid on the oil tanks.

This Friday and Saturday (August 21 and 22) there are major displays in the grounds of the Heritage Centre at the Royal Dockyard Chapel, staged by Pembroke Dock Fire Station.