Wartime history found on farm

10:08am Monday 5th May 2008

An amazing piece of history discovered at North Down Farm in Lamphey has triggered a quest to find a Second World War prisoner of war.

A mounted brass shield decorated with a north star design was recently uncovered as the farm was cleared ready for sale. Its finder, David Hodges, was intrigued to learn that it was made by a German prisoner of war in 1946 while he was held at the farm.

The shield belonged to Raimond Jaxy, a crew member of German U-boat U190, which served during the war until its surrender to the Royal Canadian Navy in May, 1945.

Markings underneath the shield include Jaxy, 1946' and U190'.

Mr Hodges, aged 67, of Solva, recently discovered the item when he was sorting through the farmhouse on behalf of his wife's family.

As an ex-Royal Navy petty officer, Mr Hodges was particularly enthralled by the exciting piece of war memorabilia.

"My wife's parents, Mr and Mrs Paul Thomas, lived on the farm for 57 years and they remember Mr Jaxy well," said Mr Hodges. "Apparently he was very well thought of.

"I would very much like to find Raimond Jaxy and present the piece to him or his family. Failing that I would like to hand it over to a German war museum where it can be fully appreciated."

Mr Hodges has started his search by putting an appeal in a German U-boat society publication.

Raimond Jaxy and his crew surrendered to Newfoundland on May 12th, 1945 at Bay Bulls and their vessel docked in Dartmouth under escort in late May.

Following Mr Jaxy's imprisonment his movements are unclear.

John Evans, of Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust, said: "There were many Germans and Italians working on Pembrokeshire farms and some even ended up settling here.

"This is another factor in Pembrokeshire's rich military history."

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help Mr Hodges find Mr Jaxy or his family, is asked to contact him on 01437 721765.

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