Cenotaph dedication ensures fallen soldier is remembered

A FALLEN soldier is to be the first since the Second World War to have his name live on on a Swansea Valley cenotaph.

Family and friends of Lance Corporal Chris Harkett, of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, will take part in a service of dedication at the Pontardawe cenotaph on Monday, April 11, at 11am.

He was the 150th British soldier to die in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on March 14, 2009.

Wreaths will be laid at the ceremony by his widow Danielle, along with his Pontardawe-based aunt Janet Warner and members of his regiment.

Lobbied

His dad Gerwyn Harkett, 48, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, said it was unfortunate both he along with his wife Alicia and son Kyle were unable to attend due to commitments overseas.

But he added: "While we will not be there ourselves, our hearts will be there."

Mr Harkett, who also served in the Army, said there would be a guard of five, along with a number of uniformed officers present on the day, along with the regimental mascot.

Ronald Baynes, parade marshal of the Royal British Legion in Pontardawe, revealed councillors had been lobbied over the step.

Mr Baynes added: "It is the first plaque to go on the cenotaph in Pontardawe since the end of the Second World War.

Remember

"Obviously we wanted to remember one of our own.

"We believe there will be a large turnout.

"A dedication service will be held when Chris's name is placed on the plaque."

He said Mayor Phillip Dixon would make a speech on behalf of Chris's dad Gerwyn.

Local dignitaries have also been invited to attend the parade, during the service which will see the Act of Remembrance made.

Captain David Davies, of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, will start off the Exhortation and the Last Post will also be sounded in remembrance of the soldier who was killed by a makeshift bomb in Musa Qala.

The third generation soldier was said to have had a bright future by Army commanders.

Mr Baynes added an epitaph would also be read at the service.

"Anyone would be welcome to come along," he added.

"A lot of his friends from the battalion are going to come down and his friends for the rugby club.

"Wreaths are also being laid by the officers.

"The town should stop and turn out by the cenotaph."

Following the service, people are invited to go along to Pontardawe Jubilee Club for refreshments.

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk

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