Owain Tudur Jones: Ar Faes y Gad

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0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *

0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Edinburgh, - the capital of Scotland...

0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..and the home - of Hibernian Football Club...

0:00:08 > 0:00:12- ..one of the biggest clubs - this side of Hadrian's Wall.

0:00:19 > 0:00:21- I was privileged to play for Hibs...

0:00:21 > 0:00:24- ..before being forced to retire - through injury.

0:00:27 > 0:00:31- I've returned to Easter Road - to watch a crucial game...

0:00:31 > 0:00:33- ..in the Scottish Cup.

0:00:33 > 0:00:38- The last time this historic club won - the Scottish Cup was back in 1902.

0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Few people are aware of the fact...

0:00:41 > 0:00:44- ..that a Welshman, - Robert Atherton from Bethesda...

0:00:44 > 0:00:47- ..captained the club at the time.

0:00:50 > 0:00:53- But there's a sad ending - to Robert Atherton's story.

0:00:54 > 0:00:56- At the end of his football career...

0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..Atherton joined the merchant navy.

0:01:00 > 0:01:03- He was one of - the 15,000 merchant seamen...

0:01:03 > 0:01:06- ..who paid the ultimate price - in the Great War.

0:01:06 > 0:01:11- While sailing from Middlesbrough to - St Malo, France, in October 1917...

0:01:11 > 0:01:13- ..the Britannia disappeared.

0:01:14 > 0:01:16- The ship, along with Atherton...

0:01:17 > 0:01:19- ..was sunk by a German U-boat.

0:01:19 > 0:01:23- He wasn't the only Welsh footballer - to fight in the Great War.

0:01:24 > 0:01:29- But who were these young men who had - to give up their football careers...

0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ..to fight the enemy - in an atrocious war...

0:01:32 > 0:01:34- ..more than 100 years ago?

0:01:51 > 0:01:55- After retiring from football - and moving back to North Wales...

0:01:55 > 0:02:01- ..I started thinking about my own - family's fate in the Great War.

0:02:01 > 0:02:05- It hadn't crossed my mind before.

0:02:05 > 0:02:10- If I wanted to know more, there was - only one person to ask. Taid Ger.

0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Both my grandfathers went to France.

0:02:16 > 0:02:19- They were - your great-great-grandfathers.

0:02:20 > 0:02:22- Sadly, one of them didn't return.

0:02:23 > 0:02:27- Tomos Huw Davies was a quarryman - at Bryn Eglwys Quarry, Abergynolwyn.

0:02:28 > 0:02:30- He was my mother's father.

0:02:30 > 0:02:35- My other grandfather, John Jones, - who came from Blaenau Ffestiniog...

0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..was a quarryman - who worked underground.

0:02:38 > 0:02:42- He returned home from the war - but had been wounded.

0:02:43 > 0:02:47- A piece of shrapnel - was lodged in his leg...

0:02:47 > 0:02:49- ..rendering him lame.

0:02:50 > 0:02:54- This is a photograph - of Tomos Huw Davies, the quarrymen.

0:02:54 > 0:02:56- With him is his eldest son, Huw.

0:02:57 > 0:03:01- He was killed in battle - and four days after his death...

0:03:01 > 0:03:04- ..Hedd Wyn was killed.

0:03:04 > 0:03:08- I like to think that they'd - been in each other's company...

0:03:09 > 0:03:11- ..before they were killed.

0:03:11 > 0:03:17- This is a photograph of John Jones, - my father's father.

0:03:17 > 0:03:19- He'd been wounded.

0:03:19 > 0:03:22- This photograph of him was taken...

0:03:22 > 0:03:28- ..with his friend and fellow - quarryman, Robert Joseph Jones.

0:03:28 > 0:03:32- I mentioned - the grandfather who was killed.

0:03:32 > 0:03:35- Within a period of six weeks...

0:03:35 > 0:03:39- ..my grandmother had lost - both her husband and her brother.

0:03:40 > 0:03:43- This is a photograph of him.

0:03:43 > 0:03:46- His name was David Gomer Griffiths.

0:03:47 > 0:03:51- He was killed some six weeks - after my grandfather was killed.

0:03:52 > 0:03:55- If you want to know - about your relations...

0:03:55 > 0:03:58- ..this is a photograph - of the Llan band.

0:03:58 > 0:04:02- We're talking about your - grandmother's two grandfathers...

0:04:02 > 0:04:04- ..and great-grandfather here.

0:04:04 > 0:04:08- This is a photograph - of her great-great-grandfather...

0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..and your - great-great-great-grandfather.

0:04:12 > 0:04:15- John Hughes was the band's drummer.

0:04:15 > 0:04:18- Next to him is his son, Huw Hughes.

0:04:19 > 0:04:22- In the centre is Isaac Jones...

0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..the father - of your grandmother's father.

0:04:26 > 0:04:28- At one time - he was the band's leader.

0:04:29 > 0:04:34- The band members are dressed - in their uniform at Llan station...

0:04:34 > 0:04:39- ..waiting for the train - to take them to Park Hall Camp...

0:04:39 > 0:04:41- ..in Oswestry.

0:04:41 > 0:04:44- That's a little background for you.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48- Talking of another connection...

0:04:48 > 0:04:52- ..over the mountain here - is Oakeley Slate Quarry.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55- The manager of Oakeley...

0:04:55 > 0:04:59- ..who was also a surgeon...

0:04:59 > 0:05:01- ..was a man named Robert Roberts.

0:05:01 > 0:05:07- He had a son - called Robert Mills-Roberts.

0:05:10 > 0:05:13- He became famous as a footballer.

0:05:13 > 0:05:16- He was - Preston North End's goalkeeper.

0:05:16 > 0:05:18- They were called The Invincibles.

0:05:19 > 0:05:22- That's an - interesting connection for you...

0:05:22 > 0:05:25- ..as a former - professional footballer.

0:05:37 > 0:05:40- To discover more - about the goalkeeper...

0:05:40 > 0:05:42- ..who was a quarryman at Oakeley...

0:05:43 > 0:05:47- ..I'm meeting Dr Meilyr Emrys, - a football historian.

0:05:47 > 0:05:50- I'm not sure - why he wants to meet me...

0:05:50 > 0:05:53- ..at the Dinorwic Quarry Hospital - in Llanberis...

0:05:54 > 0:05:57- ..if Robert Mills-Roberts - was from Ffestiniog.

0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Although he was raised - in Ffestiniog...

0:06:04 > 0:06:08- ..he worked here - as a surgeon for almost 25 years.

0:06:08 > 0:06:12- As well as being - an eminent surgeon...

0:06:12 > 0:06:15- ..he was also a gifted footballer.

0:06:16 > 0:06:20- He was goalkeeper for the famous - Invincibles, Preston North End.

0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Here's a photograph of him.

0:06:23 > 0:06:28- They were called The Invincibles - because they were the first team...

0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..to win the English league - and the FA Cup in the same season.

0:06:32 > 0:06:35- As well as playing for Preston...

0:06:35 > 0:06:38- ..he was also - an international goalkeeper...

0:06:38 > 0:06:40- ..winning eight caps for Wales.

0:06:41 > 0:06:44- He was one of - the best goalkeepers of his time.

0:06:45 > 0:06:47- He was obviously - a gifted footballer.

0:06:48 > 0:06:51- What's his story - in relation to the Great War?

0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Beyond his medical - and football career...

0:06:55 > 0:06:58- ..the army greatly interested him.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01- When he came to Llanberis...

0:07:01 > 0:07:05- ..he was a private - in the Llanberis Volunteers.

0:07:05 > 0:07:10- The First World War - wasn't the only war he'd fought in.

0:07:10 > 0:07:16- He also fought - in the Boer War in South Africa.

0:07:16 > 0:07:18- By the First World War...

0:07:19 > 0:07:22- ..Mills-Roberts was relatively old.

0:07:22 > 0:07:24- He was over 50 years of age...

0:07:25 > 0:07:28- ..but he still served with - the Medical Corps in France.

0:07:28 > 0:07:33- He excelled in his role - within the army.

0:07:33 > 0:07:39- He was named in Dispatches - and was decorated for his service.

0:07:40 > 0:07:42- So he was a talented footballer...

0:07:43 > 0:07:47- ..an educated man - who became a doctor and a surgeon...

0:07:47 > 0:07:52- ..with a grand name like - Robert Herbert Mills-Roberts.

0:07:53 > 0:07:57- He's not the type of man we'd see - playing football nowadays.

0:07:57 > 0:07:59- I'd say Mills-Roberts...

0:07:59 > 0:08:03- ..was one of the last generation - of gentlemen amateurs...

0:08:03 > 0:08:07- ..who combined a football career - with another career.

0:08:08 > 0:08:12- There were men of a similar ilk - playing for Wales...

0:08:12 > 0:08:15- ..at the beginning - of the 20th century.

0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Take the Morgan-Owen brothers, - for example.

0:08:19 > 0:08:22- There were four of them in all...

0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ..the most famous of whom - was Morgan Maddox Morgan-Owen.

0:08:26 > 0:08:31- He was an amateur footballer - with the famous Corinthians' side.

0:08:31 > 0:08:36- He captained the team on their tour - of Brazil, but when they arrived...

0:08:36 > 0:08:40- ..they received the news - that the War had started.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43- The ship turned around - and took them home.

0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Morgan Maddox served in WWI.

0:08:45 > 0:08:49- He went to Gallipoli and France.

0:08:49 > 0:08:52- He was lucky to be alive - after serving in France.

0:08:53 > 0:08:55- It's believed he was shot...

0:08:56 > 0:09:02- ..but the bullet hit his binoculars - and gun and ricocheted into his arm.

0:09:02 > 0:09:06- If it hadn't hit those, - he would've been killed.

0:09:06 > 0:09:10- Others of the same ilk - with a double-barrelled name...

0:09:10 > 0:09:14- ..were the Pryce-Jones brothers - from Newtown.

0:09:14 > 0:09:17- One of them, Albert, - went to Canada...

0:09:18 > 0:09:20- ..rounded up a battalion there...

0:09:20 > 0:09:23- ..and returned to fight in WWI.

0:09:24 > 0:09:26- You see a pattern emerging.

0:09:26 > 0:09:30- They were all educated - at grammar schools and universities.

0:09:30 > 0:09:32- They were gentlemen amateurs.

0:09:32 > 0:09:36- Serving in the army - was very important to them.

0:09:41 > 0:09:42- .

0:09:45 > 0:09:45- Subtitles

0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:09:59 > 0:10:02- There were - fewer gentlemen amateurs...

0:10:02 > 0:10:07- ..playing top-flight football - by the outbreak of the Great War.

0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Clubs were professional.

0:10:09 > 0:10:13- Players were bound by contracts - which led to confusion...

0:10:14 > 0:10:18- ..as young men - left for the frontline in France.

0:10:18 > 0:10:22- I'm meeting Prof Geraint Jenkins - at the National Library...

0:10:23 > 0:10:27- ..to pore over newspapers - from the era...

0:10:27 > 0:10:32- ..to get an idea of the hatred that - existed towards football in 1914.

0:10:33 > 0:10:37- What was the general consensus...

0:10:37 > 0:10:41- ..to the football season - continuing during wartime?

0:10:42 > 0:10:46- People bore a grudge against the - footballers and clubs because of it.

0:10:46 > 0:10:50- There was also - a great deal of snobbery too.

0:10:50 > 0:10:55- Those who complained the most were - the middle classes who played rugby.

0:10:55 > 0:10:58- "Rugby has cancelled - all its matches.

0:10:58 > 0:11:01- "Football clubs should follow suit."

0:11:01 > 0:11:05- But it was difficult - for footballers to do that...

0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..because they were on - annual contracts...

0:11:08 > 0:11:11- ..that they couldn't breach.

0:11:11 > 0:11:16- The clubs believed that the War - would be over by Christmas...

0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..so why cancel the games?

0:11:19 > 0:11:24- They were - branded traitors and cowards.

0:11:24 > 0:11:28- They tried to make them feel - ashamed. This is a good example.

0:11:29 > 0:11:31- It's from Punch, October 1914.

0:11:31 > 0:11:33- "The Greater Game."

0:11:33 > 0:11:35- They're trying to say...

0:11:35 > 0:11:38- ..the only way to earn respect...

0:11:38 > 0:11:42- ..is on the frontline, - not on a football pitch.

0:11:42 > 0:11:45- That's what Mr Punch - is telling the players.

0:11:45 > 0:11:49- It's pricking their conscience, - making them feel ashamed.

0:11:50 > 0:11:54- The War Office insisted - that the cartoons and posters...

0:11:54 > 0:11:58- ..were shown in every stadium - where football was played.

0:11:58 > 0:12:02- They were very powerful because - they were saying to footballers...

0:12:03 > 0:12:07- .."If you play on a Saturday, - you're a traitor to your country.

0:12:08 > 0:12:13- "You refuse to listen to Kitchener - and you're betraying your country.

0:12:13 > 0:12:16- "It's wrong that - you're playing on a Saturday...

0:12:16 > 0:12:20- "..while others, including rugby - players, are in the trenches."

0:12:21 > 0:12:26- This sense of wrongdoing was going - to prick these men's conscience.

0:12:26 > 0:12:29- What they were saying was, - "Better death than shame."

0:12:30 > 0:12:35- There was an interesting story in - the newspaper about Swansea City...

0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..a club you support - and one I've played for.

0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Can you tell me more about it?

0:12:41 > 0:12:45- It was a row between the All Whites, - who played rugby at St Helen's...

0:12:45 > 0:12:49- ..and the hoodlums - who played football at the Vetch.

0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Swansea City was - a mere two years' old at the time.

0:12:53 > 0:12:57- The club had recently installed - a grass pitch for the first time.

0:12:58 > 0:13:03- And now the horses and the big guns - were coming, and all the drilling.

0:13:03 > 0:13:06- They commandeered the Vetch, - not St Helen's.

0:13:06 > 0:13:11- It highlighted the social difference - between football and rugby.

0:13:11 > 0:13:16- The Western Mail refused to include - a single report about Cardiff City.

0:13:16 > 0:13:22- Was the vitriol launched - at footballers in the press...

0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..warranted at the time?

0:13:26 > 0:13:29- No, it wasn't, because later on...

0:13:29 > 0:13:33- ..some of my greatest heroes - joined the army...

0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..one of whom - was Fred Keenor from Cardiff.

0:13:37 > 0:13:42- If I'd had to fight in the Battle - of the Somme in the trenches...

0:13:42 > 0:13:46- ..I would've liked Keenor - at my side....

0:13:46 > 0:13:49- ..because he was courageous - and unyielding.

0:13:50 > 0:13:52- He was first to retaliate.

0:13:52 > 0:13:57- He was the kind of man - you'd want at your side in battle.

0:14:02 > 0:14:05- What was so remarkable - about Fred Keenor?

0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Historian - and football author Phil Stead...

0:14:08 > 0:14:11- ..knows a great deal - about the man from Roath.

0:14:13 > 0:14:17- Fred Keenor played for - Roath Wednesdays in Cardiff.

0:14:17 > 0:14:20- He was a pupil - at Stacey Road School in Roath.

0:14:21 > 0:14:24- His father - was a stonemason in Cardiff.

0:14:25 > 0:14:30- He was spotted by one of the club's - directors and was offered a place...

0:14:30 > 0:14:32- ..in Cardiff's amateur side.

0:14:32 > 0:14:36- He didn't start very often - in the early years there...

0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..and he was just breaking in - to the team when war broke out.

0:14:40 > 0:14:44- He didn't really - want to go to war...

0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..though he wanted to fight - and defend his country.

0:14:48 > 0:14:51- This was his best chance - of breaking through...

0:14:51 > 0:14:53- ..so he stayed with Cardiff...

0:14:54 > 0:14:57- ..until the Footballers' Regiment - was formed.

0:14:57 > 0:15:02- He had a chance to go to London and - come back on the train every week...

0:15:02 > 0:15:04- ..to play for the Bluebirds.

0:15:05 > 0:15:09- What exactly - was the Footballers' Regiment?

0:15:09 > 0:15:12- The army thought it'd be great...

0:15:12 > 0:15:15- ..to enlist footballers - in the war effort.

0:15:15 > 0:15:17- They were fit and strong young men.

0:15:18 > 0:15:22- So Major Buckley - formed this regiment.

0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Keenor joined.

0:15:26 > 0:15:32- Keenor's game benefited greatly from - playing with these great players.

0:15:33 > 0:15:35- They saw some action later.

0:15:36 > 0:15:41- They joined the war effort in - Delville Wood in the Somme region.

0:15:41 > 0:15:45- Keenor was subsequently wounded.

0:15:45 > 0:15:47- He almost lost his leg.

0:15:47 > 0:15:51- He was lying in the mud, - and a soldier, who no-one knew...

0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..picked up Keenor - and dragged him...

0:15:54 > 0:15:57- ..to the British line, - saving his life.

0:15:58 > 0:16:02- He spent six months in hospital. - They thought he'd lose his leg.

0:16:03 > 0:16:07- So he began his career, war - broke out and he injured his leg.

0:16:07 > 0:16:11- It shows his strength of character - to continue playing football.

0:16:11 > 0:16:14- I don't think - he was a great footballer.

0:16:14 > 0:16:17- What he had - was an incredible attitude.

0:16:17 > 0:16:19- He spurred the team on.

0:16:20 > 0:16:23- He was five foot seven - with a 37-inch chest.

0:16:23 > 0:16:27- He wasn't a big man - but he played with so much passion.

0:16:27 > 0:16:31- Why was a statue of Fred Keenor, - above anyone else...

0:16:31 > 0:16:35- ..erected in front - of Cardiff City Stadium?

0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Fred Keenor - is a local hero in Cardiff.

0:16:38 > 0:16:43- He was going to leave Cardiff in - the months leading up to the final.

0:16:43 > 0:16:46- He wasn't at his best - as a result of his injury...

0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..but his spirit was incredible.

0:16:50 > 0:16:54- He drunk like a fish - and he was a heavy smoker.

0:16:54 > 0:16:57- He didn't train - with the rest of the team.

0:16:58 > 0:17:00- He'd turn up with a hangover...

0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..and run around by himself - to try and get rid of it...

0:17:04 > 0:17:06- ..while the others were training.

0:17:07 > 0:17:11- He had a spirit that was indicative - of his Welshness...

0:17:11 > 0:17:16- ..as well as the fact - he was from Cardiff city itself.

0:17:17 > 0:17:19- He always said - he won the cup for Wales...

0:17:20 > 0:17:22- ..not just for Cardiff.

0:17:23 > 0:17:25- Some liked him, others loathed him.

0:17:26 > 0:17:32- Dixie Dean said, "He'd kick his own - grandmother for a couple of bob."

0:17:32 > 0:17:37- Opponents hated him but the people - of Cardiff and Wales loved him.

0:17:37 > 0:17:41- This is Fred in the centre, - holding the cup.

0:17:42 > 0:17:44- He'd lost one final - against Sheffield Utd.

0:17:45 > 0:17:49- He said, "Don't worry, lads, - we'll be back here."

0:17:49 > 0:17:51- And here he is, he's back.

0:17:51 > 0:17:54- He won the cup for Wales, - as he said.

0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Have you ever seen a happier man?

0:18:07 > 0:18:12- Keenor may be Cardiff's most famous - player, but another Welshman...

0:18:12 > 0:18:15- ..is associated with the club...

0:18:15 > 0:18:19- ..that made its mark in the War - as well as on the football pitch.

0:18:20 > 0:18:24- I've come to Newtown AFC to meet - local historian Ken Davies...

0:18:24 > 0:18:28- ..who's researched - the town's football heroes.

0:18:28 > 0:18:31- Their ground - is named after George Latham...

0:18:32 > 0:18:34- ..its most famous player.

0:18:34 > 0:18:36- Everybody knows...

0:18:36 > 0:18:42- ..that Cardiff City beat - The Arsenal in 1927 at Wembley...

0:18:42 > 0:18:47- ..but not many people know that - George Latham coached at Cardiff.

0:18:47 > 0:18:51- He played for Newtown - before playing for Liverpool...

0:18:52 > 0:18:54- ..Cardiff and Wales.

0:18:54 > 0:18:58- In 1902, he went from being - an amateur with Liverpool...

0:18:58 > 0:19:00- ..to playing professionally.

0:19:00 > 0:19:06- He played his first game for Wales - in 1905 against Scotland.

0:19:06 > 0:19:09- That was played at the Racecourse.

0:19:09 > 0:19:14- It was the first time Wales - had beaten Scotland in 30 games...

0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..since the teams - began playing against each other.

0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Then, he began his coaching career - with Cardiff in 1911.

0:19:25 > 0:19:28- He also coached Wales - at the same time.

0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Fortunately, - or unfortunately for George...

0:19:32 > 0:19:36- ..the team - played out in Ireland in 1913...

0:19:36 > 0:19:41- ..when George was 32, and as I said, - he hadn't played for Cardiff.

0:19:41 > 0:19:43- The Wales team was one short...

0:19:43 > 0:19:46- ..so George was asked to play - to make up the numbers.

0:19:47 > 0:19:50- One thing I noticed - in the newspaper at the time...

0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..it said, "Poor George, - he played a full game...

0:19:54 > 0:19:57- "..but he - must've lost a lot of weight."

0:19:57 > 0:20:02- So, even though I'm retired, after - winning seven caps for Wales...

0:20:02 > 0:20:05- ..there's still a chance - I'll get my eighth?

0:20:05 > 0:20:07- You never know.

0:20:07 > 0:20:11- As we've mentioned, he was - a hero on the football pitch...

0:20:11 > 0:20:14- ..as well as a hero in war.

0:20:15 > 0:20:19- He served with the 7th Battalion - Royal Welch Fusiliers...

0:20:19 > 0:20:24- ..which was made up of men from - Montgomeryshire and Merionethshire.

0:20:25 > 0:20:30- He fought in Gallipoli - 100 years ago in August 1915...

0:20:30 > 0:20:35- ..and it was in that battle that - 20 Newtown men lost their lives.

0:20:35 > 0:20:38- After Gallipoli...

0:20:38 > 0:20:43- ..he was stationed in Egypt, where - he fought against the Ottomans...

0:20:43 > 0:20:47- ..in the Suez Canal.

0:20:47 > 0:20:52- He was deployed to Gaza, - and in the First Battle of Gaza...

0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..he was awarded - the Military Cross...

0:20:55 > 0:20:57- ..for his bravery.

0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Later, during the Second - and Third Battles of Gaza...

0:21:02 > 0:21:05- ..he was decorated once again...

0:21:06 > 0:21:10- ..for capturing territories - in Beersheba and Jerusalem.

0:21:10 > 0:21:13- I have a photograph of him...

0:21:13 > 0:21:17- ..with the battalion in Egypt.

0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Here he is.

0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Another man from Newtown - is pictured alongside him.

0:21:24 > 0:21:28- He was Harry Beadles, - who also won two caps for Wales.

0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Both men were from Newtown.

0:21:31 > 0:21:34- George was much older than Harry.

0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Harry was a bugler - in the battalion band...

0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..and also the Newtown Silver Band - before going to war.

0:21:57 > 0:22:02- Hearing about Harry Beadles and - the band was a lovely coincidence...

0:22:02 > 0:22:07- ..since Taid mentioned our family's - ties with the Ffestiniog brass band.

0:22:07 > 0:22:11- I can't leave the town - without calling in on band practice.

0:22:17 > 0:22:20- # Sussex by the Sea #

0:22:43 > 0:22:45- Hi, David. That was quite a tune.

0:22:45 > 0:22:49- Yes, indeed. - It's called Sussex by the Sea.

0:22:49 > 0:22:53- The Newtown band - during the First World War...

0:22:53 > 0:22:58- ..became a part of the - 7th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers.

0:22:58 > 0:23:01- That was the march - the band played...

0:23:01 > 0:23:05- ..when the soldiers went to war - and were marching through the town.

0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Did they only go to Sussex?

0:23:09 > 0:23:13- My great-great-grandfather, - John Hughes Drummer...

0:23:13 > 0:23:15- ..went to Oswestry.

0:23:15 > 0:23:18- Though they played - Sussex by the Sea...

0:23:19 > 0:23:21- ..they went to Conwy from here...

0:23:21 > 0:23:23- ..before going to Gallipoli.

0:23:24 > 0:23:27- 16 band members at the time...

0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..went with - the 7th Battalion to Gallipoli.

0:23:32 > 0:23:35- May I just add...

0:23:35 > 0:23:40- ..that during - the Armistice last November...

0:23:40 > 0:23:42- ..during Remembrance Sunday...

0:23:42 > 0:23:48- ..the band played this march - while we approached the memorial.

0:23:49 > 0:23:53- It was a very surreal - and emotional feeling...

0:23:53 > 0:23:56- ..to think that we, - the current band...

0:23:56 > 0:24:00- ..were playing the same notes - as those men played...

0:24:00 > 0:24:02- ..exactly 100 years ago.

0:24:03 > 0:24:07- We know that Harry Beadles - won caps for Wales after the war.

0:24:07 > 0:24:09- Did he play in the band?

0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Apparently so.

0:24:11 > 0:24:16- He played the cornet - for the Newtown Silver Band.

0:24:16 > 0:24:19- He later joined the army.

0:24:20 > 0:24:23- His two older brothers - joined before him...

0:24:23 > 0:24:26- ..but Harry wasn't old enough - to join the army.

0:24:26 > 0:24:29- He lied about his age.

0:24:29 > 0:24:33- He joined the army when he was 16.

0:24:33 > 0:24:37- He went into the army as a bugler.

0:24:37 > 0:24:41- He joined them - when they fought in Gallipoli.

0:24:41 > 0:24:45- There are a few stories about him - while he was out there.

0:24:45 > 0:24:50- A soldier was wounded from the - Serbian Royal Corps of Observers...

0:24:51 > 0:24:53- ..and Harry carried him.

0:24:53 > 0:24:58- He was badly wounded - and Harry carried him to safety.

0:24:58 > 0:25:04- He was awarded the Serbian - Gold Medal for his gallantry.

0:25:04 > 0:25:08- This was during a time...

0:25:08 > 0:25:10- ..when a young boy like him...

0:25:10 > 0:25:13- ..was exposed to many atrocities.

0:25:13 > 0:25:16- He was fortunate - to escape unscathed...

0:25:17 > 0:25:21- ..because a bullet went through - his helmet and his pack.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Not just that, on the final day...

0:25:24 > 0:25:28- ..when the men were - leaving Gallipoli on the boats...

0:25:28 > 0:25:33- ..someone saw him floating on the - surface of the water, unconscious...

0:25:33 > 0:25:35- ..due to the cold.

0:25:35 > 0:25:39- Someone caught hold of him - and hauled him onto the boat.

0:25:39 > 0:25:43- After a large shot of whiskey, - he came round...

0:25:43 > 0:25:45- ..and boarded the ship.

0:25:45 > 0:25:48- He spent some time - in hospital in Malta...

0:25:48 > 0:25:54- ..before going again to Palestine - to fight, in Gaza and then in Egypt.

0:25:54 > 0:25:58- Did he come back and - play with the band after the war?

0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Not that we know of.

0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Football took over his life.

0:26:04 > 0:26:06- He moved to Liverpool...

0:26:06 > 0:26:11- ..and played for clubs like - Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday.

0:26:11 > 0:26:15- He returned to work for Liverpool, - and that's where he died.

0:26:16 > 0:26:19- I have a photo of Harry Beadles - in a team with George Latham.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23- Do we know which one he is - in the band's photo?

0:26:23 > 0:26:27- Well, we think this is him...

0:26:27 > 0:26:29- ..playing the cornet.

0:26:29 > 0:26:32- None of - the band members are named...

0:26:33 > 0:26:38- ..but it looks very likely - that this is him in the photograph.

0:26:43 > 0:26:43- .

0:26:47 > 0:26:47- Subtitles

0:26:47 > 0:26:49- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:27:01 > 0:27:03- Before continuing my journey...

0:27:03 > 0:27:06- ..I've returned - to the National Library...

0:27:07 > 0:27:11- ..to see how the - Football Association's officials...

0:27:11 > 0:27:14- ..prepared for - and dealt with the War.

0:27:17 > 0:27:20- It's great being able to sit...

0:27:20 > 0:27:23- ..in Wales' National Library - in Aberystwyth...

0:27:23 > 0:27:27- ..and pore over these record books.

0:27:27 > 0:27:32- They're minutes from the Football - Association of Wales' meetings.

0:27:32 > 0:27:34- The FAW.

0:27:35 > 0:27:37- I could - trawl through them for hours.

0:27:37 > 0:27:40- This one is from 1893.

0:27:40 > 0:27:42- My main reason for being here...

0:27:43 > 0:27:46- ..is to look through the books - from World War I.

0:27:49 > 0:27:54- It's interesting and remarkable - by reading through the minutes...

0:27:54 > 0:27:57- ..from 1914, - when the world was at war...

0:27:57 > 0:28:01- ..that the association - tried to carry on as normal.

0:28:02 > 0:28:06- They tried - to retain a sense of normality...

0:28:06 > 0:28:09- ..by continuing the football season.

0:28:09 > 0:28:13- In some quarters, - questions are being asked.

0:28:13 > 0:28:15- Should football be played?

0:28:15 > 0:28:19- 'Everything to go on as usual' - has been given as the watchword.

0:28:19 > 0:28:22- It'd be nothing short - of a national disaster...

0:28:23 > 0:28:27- ..if they tried to interfere with - the regular progress of football.

0:28:27 > 0:28:30- As long as the clubs - have footballers left...

0:28:30 > 0:28:33- ..they ought to be employed - and not given a loose end.

0:28:33 > 0:28:37- By the end of the season, - they started to realize...

0:28:37 > 0:28:39- ..the severity of the War.

0:28:40 > 0:28:42- It showed no sign of ending.

0:28:43 > 0:28:46- The last page - of the records reads...

0:28:46 > 0:28:50- .."That the next Election - for Council shall take place...

0:28:50 > 0:28:53- "..in the month of August, - following the end of the War."

0:28:54 > 0:28:58- It proves they had no idea - when this war would end.

0:29:08 > 0:29:13- While I'm in Aberystwyth, - I've come to Park Avenue...

0:29:14 > 0:29:18- ..to meet Dilwyn Roberts-Young, - an avid fan of the green and blacks.

0:29:18 > 0:29:21- He's also - the editor of the club's programme.

0:29:22 > 0:29:25- There's a reason why he's wearing - an old Stoke City top.

0:29:26 > 0:29:30- I support Aberystwyth - but I also have a season ticket...

0:29:31 > 0:29:33- ..for Stoke City.

0:29:33 > 0:29:37- One player who bridges both clubs - is Leigh Richmond Roose.

0:29:37 > 0:29:41- He was a hero at this club - as well as back in Stoke.

0:29:42 > 0:29:45- I heard he was quite a character, - on and off the pitch.

0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Yes, he was quite a man.

0:29:47 > 0:29:52- He came to Aberystwyth from Holt, - where his father was a minister...

0:29:52 > 0:29:55- ..and made a splash - at the university.

0:29:55 > 0:29:58- There were fewer students - in those days.

0:29:58 > 0:30:04- He played for the university and - then the town at Vicarage Field.

0:30:04 > 0:30:08- Some of his rituals - as a young player...

0:30:08 > 0:30:11- ..were talked about - throughout his career.

0:30:11 > 0:30:15- He walked onto the pitch and - whipped up the crowd into a frenzy.

0:30:15 > 0:30:21- Back then, female students weren't - allowed to mix with male students.

0:30:21 > 0:30:26- He saw his chance to play football - and flirt with the girls.

0:30:26 > 0:30:29- He'd saunter onto the field...

0:30:29 > 0:30:32- ..and greet the crowd.

0:30:32 > 0:30:35- He'd hang from the bar - and sit on it.

0:30:35 > 0:30:39- He continued those practices - throughout his career.

0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Here's a photo of him - playing for Wales.

0:30:43 > 0:30:47- It's pretty obvious which one he is. - He's tall and handsome.

0:30:47 > 0:30:50- He's holding the ball - between his legs.

0:30:51 > 0:30:55- It was one of his party tricks. - He'd do it during a game too.

0:30:55 > 0:30:59- He continued it throughout - his international career...

0:30:59 > 0:31:02- ..when he played for Stoke City.

0:31:02 > 0:31:05- I'm reluctant to show you this...

0:31:05 > 0:31:09- ..but here's a photograph of him - playing for the Potters.

0:31:10 > 0:31:12- It was during this time...

0:31:12 > 0:31:17- ..he developed to be not only - the best player in the world...

0:31:17 > 0:31:19- ..but the best goalkeeper too.

0:31:19 > 0:31:23- The Athletic Times called him - the Prince of Goalkeepers.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26- So Leigh Richmond Roose - was a gifted player...

0:31:26 > 0:31:31- ..though he was in his 30s, nearing - the end of his football career.

0:31:31 > 0:31:37- It coincided with the outbreak - of World War I. What was his story?

0:31:37 > 0:31:40- We tend to think of Roose - as a doctor...

0:31:40 > 0:31:42- ..although he wasn't.

0:31:43 > 0:31:47- He studied science here, aiming - to further his studies in London.

0:31:48 > 0:31:53- But war broke out, and as a much - older player, he decided to enrol...

0:31:54 > 0:31:58- ..in the Royal Medical Corps - and was stationed in Gallipoli.

0:31:59 > 0:32:03- I found a quote of his that he'd - written to a fellow footballer.

0:32:04 > 0:32:07- He said, - "If ever there was a hell...

0:32:07 > 0:32:10- "..on this - occasionally volatile planet...

0:32:11 > 0:32:16- "..this oppressively hot, dusty, - diseased place has to be it."

0:32:16 > 0:32:20- That's where - people thought he had died.

0:32:20 > 0:32:23- His family believed - he'd died in Gallipoli.

0:32:24 > 0:32:28- But his sister, who was close - to him, was shocked to learn...

0:32:28 > 0:32:32- ..from the Daily Mail cartoonist - at the time...

0:32:32 > 0:32:35- ..that he'd seen him - after Gallipoli...

0:32:35 > 0:32:38- ..and played cricket with him - in Egypt.

0:32:38 > 0:32:42- So there's somewhat of a mystery - surrounding his death.

0:32:42 > 0:32:46- Where did LR Roose actually go?

0:32:53 > 0:32:58- According to Dilwyn, the answer - to LR Roose's mystery is in France.

0:32:59 > 0:33:02- My search for my own family - also begins in France...

0:33:02 > 0:33:04- ..as I travel to Lille.

0:33:22 > 0:33:26- We're only an hour from - the hustle and bustle of Lille...

0:33:26 > 0:33:31- ..and it's hard to imagine - that this quiet, remote location...

0:33:31 > 0:33:36- ..was the site of one of - the bloodiest battles of WWI.

0:33:36 > 0:33:38- The Battle of the Somme.

0:33:44 > 0:33:48- The battle was part of - Britain and France's campaign...

0:33:49 > 0:33:52- ..to defeat the German army - between July and November 1916.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56- On the first day of battle...

0:33:56 > 0:34:00- ..almost 20,000 of the British - Empire's soldiers were killed...

0:34:01 > 0:34:04- ..along with 40,000 others - who were wounded.

0:34:04 > 0:34:07- During four months - of fierce fighting...

0:34:07 > 0:34:11- ..more than a million men - were either killed or wounded...

0:34:11 > 0:34:13- ..in this corner of France.

0:34:13 > 0:34:17- The trenches have left their mark - on the landscape.

0:34:17 > 0:34:22- I realize that my - great-great-grandfather was lucky...

0:34:22 > 0:34:24- ..to return home alive.

0:34:27 > 0:34:31- According to Taid, John Jones, - my great-great-grandfather...

0:34:32 > 0:34:35- ..served with the Royal Engineers.

0:34:35 > 0:34:37- As an experienced quarryman...

0:34:37 > 0:34:41- ..he dug beneath the German trenches - to lay explosives...

0:34:42 > 0:34:44- ..before escaping.

0:34:44 > 0:34:48- He sustained a shrapnel wound - and was sent home.

0:34:48 > 0:34:50- He was lucky in the end...

0:34:50 > 0:34:55- ..and for anyone who's read - Taid's novel, Teulu Lord Bach...

0:34:55 > 0:35:00- ..John Jones Fish was named after - my great-great grandfather.

0:35:10 > 0:35:13- Another who had reached the Somme - by 1 July 1916...

0:35:13 > 0:35:16- ..was Leigh Richmond Roose.

0:35:16 > 0:35:19- But why - wasn't his family aware of this?

0:35:19 > 0:35:23- The answer can be found - among the 72,000 names...

0:35:23 > 0:35:26- ..inscribed - on the Thiepval memorial stone.

0:35:29 > 0:35:32- After witnessing atrocities - in Gallipoli...

0:35:32 > 0:35:37- ..Roose left the Medical Corps and - enrolled as a Royal Welch Fusilier.

0:35:37 > 0:35:41- When he registered, - the registrar misspelt his name.

0:35:41 > 0:35:44- No-one knows - if this was done purposely or not...

0:35:45 > 0:35:49- ..but he was registered - as LR Rouse instead of LR Roose.

0:35:50 > 0:35:55- It was a source of confusion for the - family, who couldn't find his name.

0:35:55 > 0:35:59- To this day, that's how the Prince - of Goalkeepers is remembered...

0:36:00 > 0:36:03- ..on the walls - of the Thiepval memorial.

0:36:08 > 0:36:11- It's sad to think - that Roose's family...

0:36:11 > 0:36:15- ..didn't know - exactly what happened to him...

0:36:15 > 0:36:18- ..because of a misspelling.

0:36:18 > 0:36:22- For the same reason, - they wouldn't have realized...

0:36:22 > 0:36:25- ..that in the London Gazette - in September 1916...

0:36:26 > 0:36:29- ..Private LR Rouse, - who won the Military Medal...

0:36:30 > 0:36:33- ..was actually Leigh Richmond Roose.

0:37:04 > 0:37:04- .

0:37:09 > 0:37:09- Subtitles

0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:37:25 > 0:37:28- After suffering - in the Battle of the Somme...

0:37:29 > 0:37:33- ..the 38th Welsh Division...

0:37:33 > 0:37:36- ..were deployed - to the trenches of Flanders.

0:37:37 > 0:37:40- Among them were the 15th Battalion - Royal Welch Fusiliers.

0:37:41 > 0:37:45- While fleeing the atrocities - of the Somme was a good thing...

0:37:45 > 0:37:47- ..all the names on the Menin Gate...

0:37:48 > 0:37:50- ..are testament - to the bloodshed in Flanders.

0:37:53 > 0:37:57- Here, preparing to fight - in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge...

0:37:57 > 0:37:59- ..was Private TH Davies.

0:38:00 > 0:38:04- I've found his grave - in Dragoon Camp cemetery...

0:38:04 > 0:38:07- ..not far from the centre of Ypres.

0:38:59 > 0:39:01- Private TH Davies...

0:39:02 > 0:39:04- ..was Thomas Huw Davies...

0:39:04 > 0:39:09- ..my great-great-grandfather, - or my great-grandmother's father.

0:39:09 > 0:39:13- He died on the first night of battle - in Pilckem Ridge.

0:39:13 > 0:39:18- According to Taid's research, - he was 39 years old...

0:39:18 > 0:39:20- ..with eight children back at home.

0:39:21 > 0:39:25- It's very hard, - if not impossible, to sit here...

0:39:25 > 0:39:30- ..in front of his headstone, - knowing he'd been sent overseas...

0:39:30 > 0:39:35- ..to fight in a war - he knew very little about...

0:39:35 > 0:39:38- ..and to never return home.

0:39:46 > 0:39:49- It's easy to leave - somewhere like Dragoon Camp...

0:39:50 > 0:39:54- ..while looking around - at all the agricultural land...

0:39:55 > 0:39:58- ..and forget - what happened here 100 years ago.

0:39:58 > 0:40:04- Farmers still find explosives - or mortar similar to this...

0:40:05 > 0:40:09- ..which was used - to kill a man 100 years ago.

0:40:09 > 0:40:13- Who knows, it might - even have killed Thomas Huw Davies.

0:40:42 > 0:40:45- Not far from Dragoon Camp...

0:40:45 > 0:40:47- ..is Bleuet Farm cemetery...

0:40:47 > 0:40:52- ..where Gomer Griffiths, Thomas - Davies' brother-in-law, is buried.

0:40:52 > 0:40:57- My great-great-grandmother - lost her husband and her brother...

0:40:57 > 0:41:01- ..in a matter of weeks and - they are buried a few miles apart...

0:41:01 > 0:41:04- ..yet a very long way - from Llan Ffestiniog.

0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Bleuet Farm, - where Gomer Griffiths is buried...

0:41:19 > 0:41:21- ..is similar - to every other local cemetery.

0:41:22 > 0:41:26- The reason it's used as a cemetery - is because the local farm...

0:41:26 > 0:41:31- ..was used - as a kind of dressing station...

0:41:31 > 0:41:34- ..where the wounded were treated.

0:41:34 > 0:41:40- The cemetery is full of unfortunate - men that the medics couldn't save.

0:41:40 > 0:41:44- Men from Britain, Canada...

0:41:44 > 0:41:47- ..and South Africa are buried here.

0:41:47 > 0:41:50- It's a shock - seeing the grave of a German...

0:41:50 > 0:41:54- ..which goes to prove - that for a doctor during war...

0:41:54 > 0:41:56- ..a patient is a patient.

0:42:46 > 0:42:49- On my return from Belgium...

0:42:49 > 0:42:51- ..I can't wait - to meet up with Taid...

0:42:52 > 0:42:55- ..who's found something else - while I've been away.

0:43:03 > 0:43:07- This is something else - that might be of interest to you.

0:43:07 > 0:43:13- It's a letter sent by the minister - of Jerusalem Chapel, Blaenau...

0:43:13 > 0:43:16- ..to Robert Joseph Jones - and my grandfather...

0:43:17 > 0:43:19- ..who were both members - of the chapel.

0:43:20 > 0:43:25- It's dated Christmas, 1916.

0:43:26 > 0:43:30- After reading it, they showed it - to another man from Tanygrisiau...

0:43:30 > 0:43:33- ..called Abraham Jones.

0:43:34 > 0:43:37- He kept it - in the pocket of his tunic...

0:43:37 > 0:43:40- ..as he left for the frontline.

0:43:40 > 0:43:44- We don't know if he had a chance - to read it or not...

0:43:44 > 0:43:46- ..because he was killed...

0:43:47 > 0:43:49- ..that very day.

0:43:49 > 0:43:53- As you can see, - the bullet went through the letter.

0:43:53 > 0:43:58- That's quite shocking, to be honest.

0:43:58 > 0:44:02- If we saw - something like this in a film...

0:44:02 > 0:44:07- ..I doubt we'd believe - that such a thing could happen.

0:44:07 > 0:44:12- But in real life, - that's precisely what happened.

0:44:13 > 0:44:17- Perhaps one or two had read it, - another had put it in his pocket...

0:44:18 > 0:44:20- ..and was shot through the heart.

0:44:21 > 0:44:23- The irony, perhaps...

0:44:23 > 0:44:27- ..is that the minister - is sending his best wishes...

0:44:28 > 0:44:30- ..to him and his friends...

0:44:31 > 0:44:34- ..while the bullet goes - through the letter and kills him.

0:44:35 > 0:44:36- Ironic's the word.

0:44:50 > 0:44:53- After beginning the journey - in Hibs...

0:44:53 > 0:44:58- ..it's fitting that I end my journey - at Bangor City's ground.

0:44:58 > 0:45:01- But it's not Bangor - we're here to see.

0:45:01 > 0:45:05- It's a game between Llanfairpwll - and Valley in the Anglesey League.

0:45:06 > 0:45:11- I must admit, I was reluctant - to come. Remind me why we're here.

0:45:11 > 0:45:14- This is the final...

0:45:14 > 0:45:17- ..of the Anglesey League's - Dargie Cup.

0:45:17 > 0:45:19- The Dargie Cup.

0:45:19 > 0:45:23- It was named - after a man called Arnold Dargie.

0:45:24 > 0:45:26- I have a photograph of him.

0:45:26 > 0:45:29- He played for Bangor, like me, - Liverpool...

0:45:29 > 0:45:31- ..and Wales' amateur side.

0:45:32 > 0:45:35- When I was in college...

0:45:35 > 0:45:38- ..which was a lifetime ago by now...

0:45:38 > 0:45:43- ..there was once a shop in - Upper Bangor called Baine & Dargie.

0:45:43 > 0:45:47- It's an unusual name. - I wonder if they were related?

0:45:47 > 0:45:52- His father, Thomas Dargie, was - president of the North Wales Coast.

0:45:52 > 0:45:55- When his son was killed at war...

0:45:55 > 0:45:59- ..he named the cup in his memory.

0:45:59 > 0:46:03- It's nice to know - that his name lives on.

0:46:04 > 0:46:07- Do you remember many years ago...

0:46:07 > 0:46:11- ..when you used to come - and watch me play for Bangor City...

0:46:11 > 0:46:16- ..when I scored all those goals, - in the days when I was able to run?

0:46:16 > 0:46:19- Remember that old wooden stand?

0:46:19 > 0:46:22- The club - has let me borrow this plaque.

0:46:23 > 0:46:25- What I didn't know...

0:46:25 > 0:46:28- ..is that the stand...

0:46:28 > 0:46:32- ..was named after Arnold Dargie, - as well as the cup.

0:46:32 > 0:46:34- It's good he's remembered.

0:46:40 > 0:46:45- At the beginning of this journey, - I'd heard stories from you...

0:46:45 > 0:46:50- ..but it took - going to France and Belgium...

0:46:50 > 0:46:55- ..and seeing the cemeteries - and the grave of your grandfather...

0:46:55 > 0:46:58- ..my great-great-grandfather...

0:46:58 > 0:47:01- ..to realize - the reality of the situation.

0:47:01 > 0:47:03- It was an eye opener.

0:47:04 > 0:47:08- It's a very sobering sight, - isn't it?

0:47:08 > 0:47:12- I'm glad - you've gone through that experience.

0:47:12 > 0:47:14- Hopefully now...

0:47:15 > 0:47:18- ..you, as well as the girls, - are fully aware...

0:47:18 > 0:47:22- ..of your family's background.

0:47:25 > 0:47:30- Arnold Dargie's name will live on - for another year at Llanfairpwll.

0:47:30 > 0:47:34- But something Taid told me - has left a lasting impression.

0:47:34 > 0:47:39- There's no village in Wales - that hasn't been touched by WWI.

0:47:39 > 0:47:42- It's important - we respect these memorials.

0:47:42 > 0:47:44- We will remember them.

0:47:44 > 0:47:48- It's our duty to pass on these - stories to the next generation.

0:48:06 > 0:48:08- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.

0:48:08 > 0:48:08- .