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0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Fifty years ago, these three men...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- ..planted a bomb - in the Tryweryn valley.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- They were furious that the village - of Capel Celyn would be drowned...
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- ..to provide water for Liverpool...
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- ..and felt Plaid Cymru's attempts - to stop the plans were pitiful.
0:00:21 > 0:00:27- Our feeling was that Plaid Cymru - had betrayed Tryweryn.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- In the cold winter of '63, - the three men went to Tryweryn...
0:00:32 > 0:00:34- ..to set the explosive device...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- ..an act which some say changed - the course of Welsh history.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- We talk too much in Wales. - It's a talking country.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- We turned some words into actions - at Tryweryn.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- Tonight, the three men - return to Capel Celyn...
0:00:52 > 0:00:58- ..and meet for the first time since - that night, exactly 50 years ago.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- How are you?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- It's nice to see you.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- Fantastic.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07- I haven't seen you.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22- Emyr Llywelyn lives in the village - of Ffostrasol near Llandysul.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- Today, he's on his way to meet the - two who were with him in Tryweryn.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- I've seen Owain once or twice, only - to have a five-minute chat with him.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- I haven't seen John at all.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- I thought the world of John.
0:01:40 > 0:01:46- I'm looking forward to seeing John - whom I haven't seen for 50 years.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- Emyr Llywelyn is the son - of author T Llew Jones.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- Although he's well known as a former - chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith...
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- ..and as the founder of Adfer...
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- ..his actions in Tryweryn - were what brought him to prominence.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Today he's taking a book - about what happened in Tryweryn...
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- ..with him in the car.
0:02:14 > 0:02:20- He wants to give it to John Albert - Jones as a sign of their friendship.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- If you look at photographs - of people from Tryweryn...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- ..and it's been chronicled - in this book...
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- ..where you see them on the streets - of Liverpool in their Sunday best...
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- ..completely lost in the big city.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- The people of Liverpool even - spat at them. They marched in vain.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- He considered the drowning of Capel - Celyn a disgrace to the nation...
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- ..and that's what made him - take action.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- A hundred miles away, there are two - other men who felt the same way...
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- ..Owain Williams - and John Albert Jones.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- They're about to begin - their journey back to Tryweryn.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- They're travelling on the same road - as they did in February 1963.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Emyr was in the car with them - at the time.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- Emyr drove there.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- I think I drove back.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36- I think I drove back.- - Yes.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Owain Williams - comes from the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- He's a county councillor and is the - leader of the Llais Gwynedd party.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- At 77 years of age, he still farms - and he runs a caravan park...
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- ..at his old home, Gwynus, - near the village of Pistyll.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- Coming here to live - is one of my earliest memories.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- I was about three years old. - My father was a tenant on this farm.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- He married young after meeting - Irene, who came from Birmingham...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..while she was holidaying - in the area.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- They lived in a caravan in Gwynus - for a while before moving abroad.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- When things started to happen in - Tryweryn, I was living in Canada.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- We were married and we had - two children, Iona and Gruff.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- My mother sent me a copy of a - Welsh newspaper - Y Cymro, I think.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- It told the story of Tryweryn - and what was happening there.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- I hadn't realized this was happening - before I left the country.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- He returned to Wales - with his family in 1959...
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- ..and opened a cafe in Pwllheli.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Expresso Cafe was located behind - Y Maes, where the market is held.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Today, John and Owain have come down - to the site of the cafe...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- ..to remember those days.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- It was very busy.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- On a Saturday night, the queue would - go around the corner to the cinema.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- That's where John met Owain.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- Lots of young people would go - to the cafe to listen to records...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..and talk about - anything and everything.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42- There was all sorts of music.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- There was all sorts of music.- - Whatever was happening at the time.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- It was the era of rock 'n' roll.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- There was a jukebox in the cafe.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- Were Welsh matters such as - the events in Tryweryn discussed?
0:05:54 > 0:05:55- Not much.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56- A little.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57- A little.- - That came later.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- John Albert Jones - lives near Madryn...
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- ..at the far end - of the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10- He's 69 years old.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- His mother was an Irishwoman - from Dublin...
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- ..but his father's family - came from Lleyn.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- I was born in Wrexham. - My father worked on the railways.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- We then moved to Shrewsbury.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- My mother died - when I was 18 months old.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- I then came back to Pwllheli and - was brought up by my grandmother.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- John has ten children - - eight sons and two daughters.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- He's now a widower - after losing his wife six years ago.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02- Before getting married, - he was a member of the RAF.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Were you a patriot - from the beginning?
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- Erm...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- Not to an extreme.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- I was a proud Welshman.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- How did this business with Tryweryn - come about?
0:07:22 > 0:07:28- We just talked about it... I talked - to Now about it for a while.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- I just felt those people - were being so unfairly treated.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Most Welsh MPs - were against the idea...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- ..yet they were pushed to one side - and ignored.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Did that make you angry?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- Did that make you angry?- - Yes. The Irish in me came out!
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- # Wales for me, each time #
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- The plan to drown Capel Celyn...
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- ..was a hot topic for Welsh students - at Aberystwyth...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- ..in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- When some of those students came - home, they would discuss Tryweryn...
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- ..at Owain Williams' cafe - in Pwllheli.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- The students - talked about what was going on...
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- ..and that something - needed to be done.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- I would ask them what we could do.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Gwynfor Evans had written a letter - to the mayor of Liverpool.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- I'm sure the mayor of Liverpool - was quaking in his boots after that!
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- He didn't even know - who Gwynfor Evans was.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- I hardly knew who he was - at the time.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- I asked them if anyone was serious - about doing something.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- Really serious, that's what I meant.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- One person who was a student - in Aberystwyth at the time...
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- ..was Gwilym Tudur, - a farmer's son from Chwilog.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- When he was at home, he would go - to the Expresso Cafe in Pwllheli...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- ..and he knew Owain Williams, - or Now Gwynus as he was known.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- Now was different from other lads - in rural Lleyn...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- ..even though he was from Pistyll.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- He'd travelled, - he'd lived in Canada.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- He was a bit of a bright spark.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- There was a jukebox in the cafe...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..that played Elvis, Chuck Berry, - Fats Domino.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- That all fitted well - with Now's character.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Gwilym Tudur has been the owner - of Siop y Pethe in Aberystwyth...
0:09:27 > 0:09:28- ..for many years.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- But as a student, he was friends - with Emyr Llywelyn...
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- ..and shared a flat with him - above Caffi Morgan...
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- ..next door but one to the shop.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Above that number 20 over there.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- That's where I think - Emyr's bedroom was.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- That's where he read - and made his plans.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- He was very concerned - about the state of the country.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- The 1960s was a period - of protest and rebellion...
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- ..for many young people - across the world.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Aberystwyth students - were no exception.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Emyr Llywelyn was one - of the most prominent students...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- ..to demand rights - for the Welsh language.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- I don't think students will succeed - in securing a Welsh-language hostel.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- In 1962, he was among those serious - about taking action in Tryweryn.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34- Gwilym had told me about Owain - in Pwllheli.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- He said that Owain, along with - his friend John, were keen to act.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I met them and realized - they were thinking of methods...
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- ..that were rather different - from mine.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55- I also realized that we couldn't - just let things take their course.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- I had to come to an agreement with - them about how we would take action.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- There was heavy snow - in the harsh winter of 1963.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- There was a layer of snow on the - road past Trawsfynydd and Dolgellau.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- There was more - between Dolgellau and Bala.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- We drove between two walls of snow.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- On 9 February, the three men were - headed for Tryweryn to take action.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- But they weren't the first.
0:11:35 > 0:11:35- .
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0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Emyr Llywelyn - is on his way to Tryweryn...
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- ..to meet the two - who took action with him in 1963.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- They have not met since Emyr - was at university in Aberystwyth.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- We were discussing Tryweryn - as students...
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- ..but most of us - hadn't been to Tryweryn.
0:12:08 > 0:12:14- Aled Gwyn, his wife Menna and I...
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- ..went up to Tryweryn.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- We went around the village - and we visited the school.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- The school was still in existence.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- The teacher was there...
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- ..and she was teaching - what we thought was important.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- A living, breathing Welsh culture.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- It was a close-knit community - with children in their local school.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- The teacher was excellent.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- There was a boy there - called Tryweryn.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- That was my inspiration.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54- I really thought about what that - boy's name would mean in the future.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- Will it be synonymous with - betrayal, selling out and failure...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- ..or will it signify something else?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- My decision was made - with that thought.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Elwyn Edwards is the current county - councillor for the Tryweryn area.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Here, by the memorial chapel, - is where Gwerndelwau stood...
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- ..his great grandfather's home.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- His roots on his mother's side...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..are also buried deep - in Capel Celyn's history.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- It was a monoglot Welsh community.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- One that had been rooted here - for many centuries.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- There was a thriving chapel - and a successful school.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Bards and singers lived here.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- In 1956, a private bill - was brought to Parliament...
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- ..proposing the flooding - of Tryweryn valley.
0:13:46 > 0:13:52- Over a thousand Welsh societies and - councils were opposed to the plan...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- ..but Bala Town Council was split.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- I remember that people wanted work.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- Bala Town Council - voted to flood the valley.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- They said it would bring jobs.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12- Some businessmen in Bala refused to - sign the petition against the plan.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- They were thinking - of their back pockets.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- It was a mixed response.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- The residents of Capel Celyn and the - valley were united in opposition.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- They took their protest - to the very source of the plan...
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- ..and marched with banners - through the streets of Liverpool.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- Nearly every member - of the community took part.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Amongst them was the schoolboy, - Elwyn Edwards.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- We went to Liverpool in two buses...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- ..and the police escorted us - through the streets.
0:14:44 > 0:14:50- I can remember old women shouting, - spitting and swearing at us.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- Gwynfor Evans, the president - of Plaid Cymru, led the protests...
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- ..but his party had - a strict rule against law-breaking.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Despite the protests, - the work continued in the valley...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..with the blessing of Westminster.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- I don't want to judge Gwynfor Evans - because he had a perfect right...
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- ..to maintain his stance - as a pacifist...
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- ..but I think he was wrong.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- He should have led a protest - in Tryweryn instead of Liverpool.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- He could have brought - a lot of followers with him...
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- ..because he was a man - who garnered great respect.
0:15:28 > 0:15:34- John Albert Jones, Emyr Llywelyn - and I were nobodies at the time.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- We had no influence on anyone.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- Do you blame Gwynfor Evans?
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- I blame Plaid Cymru for being weak. - They lost a golden opportunity.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- They lost a political chance - to move forwards.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- As the sound of children playing - was drowned out by the machinery...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..many lost faith with Plaid Cymru.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Emyr Llywelyn and his friend, - Aled Gwyn...
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- ..turned to the former leader - of Plaid Cymru, Saunders Lewis.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- He was one of the Penyberth three - who were imprisoned in 1936...
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- ..for setting fire to the bombing - school on the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- Aled and I - went to see Saunders Lewis.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- We were hoping that he would - be willing to lend his name...
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- ..and come and lead a non-violent, - direct action at Tryweryn.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- Saunders said no, and I think - he was worried about our futures...
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- ..as we were young lads at the time.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- He told us to go back to college - and continue our careers.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- We were disappointed.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- Even if he had just joined us - on a march to Tryweryn...
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- ..without even taking part - in any direct action...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..it would have changed - Welsh history forever.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Lots of other people - would have joined us...
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- ..had we secured - that kind of high status name.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- There was one group from - the South East Wales Valleys...
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- ..planning an act of sabotage - at Tryweryn.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- One of them was this man...
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- ..David Walters from Bargoed - in the Rhymney Valley.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- He had helped establish - a Plaid Cymru branch in the area...
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- ..and in September 1962, - he and his friend, Dave Pritchard...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- ..vandalized a transformer - on the site.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Dave Pritchard spoke - to Gwynfor Evans at the time...
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- ..and told him - what was going to happen.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- He was sympathetic to it...
0:17:47 > 0:17:48- ..let's put it that way.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Even though it wasn't - Plaid policy at the time?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- He was very sympathetic towards it.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Dave reported back to us and said - he'd been told there should be...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- ..no bombs or loss of life, - which was fair enough.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- On that night, six people - travelled in two cars to Tryweryn.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- In the second car - were two Welsh speakers...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- ..Trevor Beasley and Dai Bonner - from the Llanelli area.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- However, they turned back having - been seen by a security guard.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- You had a two-pronged attack.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- It was a two-pronged attack.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- One was on the plant, - the other on the electrical supply.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- The idea was to put - all the heavy plant out...
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- ..and knock their power off.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- David Walters and Dave Pritchard - were caught...
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- ..and charged for releasing oil - from the transformer.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- They were fined 50 each - by Bala magistrates.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Why did you feel so strongly - about the issue?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- As a Welshman, I shouldn't have - to explain to another Welshman...
0:18:59 > 0:19:00- ..why I feel so strongly.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- It's a case of defending your own.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- If you were in your house - and someone came in...
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- ..and wanted to beat up your - children, what are you going to do?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- Step to one side, and say, "He's - my landlord, I can't do anything."
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Or you stand up to say, "No, you've - gone far enough," and you defend.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- I class Tryweryn and any other part - of Wales as just that.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- It's a place you defend. - They're your people, your family.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Part of the Welsh nation, - the Welsh family. You defend them.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- That's what any Welsh person - should do. You defend what's yours.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- If you can't defend your own, - you can't defend anything else.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- By the end of 1962, it was too late - to save the homes of the fifty...
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- ..who had to move from Celyn valley.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48- Despite this...
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- ..there were people still determined - to protest and disrupt the work.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- A week before Christmas 1962, - a shed on the site was set on fire.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- No-one was caught, - but tonight, we can reveal...
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- ..that it was students from - Aberystwyth who were responsible.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- After the incident, we heard that a - group from South Wales were livid...
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- ..that this had happened.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- They had planned - to do something identical!
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- There were three or four groups - prepared to act in Wales.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- John Albert Jones, Owain Williams - and Emyr Llywelyn...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..wanted to go a step further.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- They were convinced that - they should fight fire with fire...
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- ..in order to defeat Liverpool - politicians like Bessie Braddock.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- Emyr, John and myself understood - that you don't get anything...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- ..without a fight.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Garbage like Bessie Braddock - in Liverpool...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- ..wiped their feet - on innocent people.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- The only language they understood - was what they eventually got.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Before ever meeting Emyr Llywelyn...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- ..John and Owain - had planned to strike hard.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- John Albert Jones and I believed - that if we were going to go there...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..we might as well do a proper job - rather than a small job.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- We thought of targeting - about five things on the site.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- The oil stores, - which we planned to burn down.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- The lorries - that carried things to the site.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- One bridge that allowed - transport onto the site.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- Also, we planned to hit the offices - where plans were kept.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- We planned to target them all.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- The plan was to use explosives - and firebombs.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- However, Emyr Llywelyn disagreed...
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- ..and worried that acts of this - kind would be seen as terrorism.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- His idea was for a symbolic act.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Personally, - I didn't see it as a symbolic act.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- I saw it as striking back - to try and defend the valley.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31- I didn't think we could stop the dam - but maybe we could wake the nation.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- With his strong pacifist beliefs...
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- ..Emyr Llywelyn planned - non-violent action at Tryweryn...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- ..and then to give himself up - to the police.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Was there a lot of arguing?
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- No fierce arguments. I have - a lot of respect for Emyr Llew.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- And for John Albert Jones.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- There was some disagreement.
0:22:57 > 0:23:03- In the end, after due consideration, - we had one target, the transformer.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- It was crucial as it brought - all the power to the site.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- We agreed that the transformer - would be the only target.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- On his journey back to Tryweryn...
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- ..Emyr Llywelyn remembers the - arguments between the three of them.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Despite this, they all agreed - that they had to act.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- What do you do when you've tried - every constitutional avenue?
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- You have to adopt - an unconstitutional approach.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- He was worried that things - could get out of hand...
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- ..and he wanted assurances - from the other two.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- I had written a kind of oath.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53- There were three points.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- To keep our actions secret.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- To ensure - that nobody would be hurt...
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- ..and that we didn't do anything - that would endanger life.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- The lads agreed to that, - which was very important to me.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- On that condition, we went ahead.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- I didn't make them say it out loud.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- That would be an empty gesture.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15- I knew them both well enough.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- If they gave me their word, - they would keep to it.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26- How would the three - get hold of any explosives...
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- ..and overcome all the problems - they had on the night of the action?
0:24:37 > 0:24:37- .
0:24:41 > 0:24:41- Subtitles
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- The three who went to Tryweryn - to take action...
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- ..had decided to plant explosives - on the dam construction site.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- That was 50 years ago - when they were young men.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- John wasn't even - 20 years old at the time.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- Emyr Llew and I were in our - twenties. John was nineteen.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- The valley they were driving to - was now like a building site.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- Before taking action, these two men - had been busy planning.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- John Albert Jones and I - surveyed the area at night.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- We looked for movement.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- There were floodlights on - so we could see what was happening.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35- We logged the hours they were there - keeping a watch on the site.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- We knew when it would be safe enough - for us to go there...
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- ..and the most appropriate time - to set off the timer on the bomb.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- Emyr Llywelyn had been researching - how to make explosives...
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- ..and where he could get assistance - for some time.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- He decided to go to Ireland...
0:26:04 > 0:26:08- ..to try and track down - some former IRA members.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17- I met the foremost Irish language - writer of the twentieth century...
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- ..Mairtin O Cadhain.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- He had been on the blanket - for three years.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- He held Gaelic classes - at the prison.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32- I received a warm welcome - and stayed with him for a week.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- He told me he didn't know - how he could help...
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- ..and that the other lads were dead.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- He didn't know of anybody - who could help me.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- After returning - from Ireland empty-handed...
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- ..Emyr heard about some men - in the South Wales Valleys...
0:26:52 > 0:26:53- ..who could assist him.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- As miners, they had experience - of using explosives in the pits.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- I found a Welshman in South Wales...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- ..who had already committed an act - in Tryweryn.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- His name was Dave Pritchard.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- He was one of the most - responsible people I have ever met.
0:27:10 > 0:27:16- I didn't know him previously but he - showed us how to use the explosives.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20- By the start of 1963...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..Owain Williams had stolen - detonators from a local quarry...
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- ..and they'd managed to get hold - of enough explosives.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- Next, they needed to experiment.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- Owain Williams and Emyr Llywelyn - came to this beach...
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- ..near Butlins, Pwllheli.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- Before going to Tryweryn, - we did what they call a dummy run.
0:27:47 > 0:27:53- It was a weekend in the middle of - winter so there was no-one around.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58- This was a handy location - because we were out of sight.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- They were joined by the electrician, - Dave Pritchard.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- He showed them how to set the timer - on the explosives...
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- ..to allow them enough time - to get away safely.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- We placed the explosive in the rock - down there and blew it up.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- That was enough to show us - the effects of the explosives.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- This is exactly where we did it - - Penychain.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- The winter of 1963 was the harshest - in Wales in 200 years.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- Saturday night, 9 February, - the night of the act.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- It was snowing and Emyr Llywelyn - was on his way...
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- ..to the South East Wales Valleys.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- I travelled from Aberystwyth - to South Wales...
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- ..to collect the timer - from Dave Pritchard.
0:29:07 > 0:29:13- I then drove through the night - to Owain's home.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- Emyr Llew came here - and from what I remember...
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- ..he'd hired a car in Aberystwyth - - a red Vauxhall.
0:29:26 > 0:29:32- He picked John and me up from the - cafe in Pwllheli and off we went.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- Because of the snow, they had - to drive through Dolgellau...
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- ..and so were running late.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45- There was still snow on the roads. - There were snowdrifts in places.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50- Only one road was open in the area.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- I came around the bend quickly...
0:29:53 > 0:29:59- ..and saw a rock which had fallen - on to the middle of the road.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05- I didn't have time to avoid it. - I hit it and my tyre burst.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- Despite not having a jack, - they managed to change the tyre...
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- ..and then headed towards Bala - before turning for Tryweryn.
0:30:20 > 0:30:26- We parked the car - at the back of Ysgol Cwmtirmynach.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- We then crawled on our fronts - through the snow...
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- ..which was waist-deep.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- To avoid being seen, - they crawled across the fields...
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- ..to the site's main transformer.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- They carried the explosive device - in parts.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- I had the job of climbing over...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- ..and going in there - to set the explosive.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59- But Owain insisted that if I was - going in, he would come with me.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- We argued! I told him - he wasn't to come with me.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- It made no sense for the two of us - to be killed that night.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- He insisted. - I admire him to this day.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- We had a strong bond and friendship.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- He followed me in and although - he didn't do anything...
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- ..he stood right next to me.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- If I'd have been killed, Owain - would've been killed as well.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- That's...
0:31:30 > 0:31:34- After placing the bomb, - the three returned to the car...
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- ..and headed home - via Cerrigydrudion.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- But suddenly, - they came across a local man...
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- ..whose van was stuck in the snow.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48- Tonight, he speaks publicly for - the first time about his experience.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55- I'd stopped here - and started walking towards home.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- I was walking on top of - the snowdrift when I saw a light.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- I was surprised to see someone - driving around here.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- Their wheels got stuck in the snow - so I went over to help them.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- We panicked. We thought we'd had it!
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- He'd seen us so I told the others - to leave it to me.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- I pretended to be an Englishman.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- At the time, I thought I was - quite good at faking accents!
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- I went up to the man...
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- ..and said - in my best English accent...
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- .."What's happened, old chap?"
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- There were three of them in the car.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- I helped them to push the car - and we managed to loosen the wheels.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- They were all speaking English.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- They told me they were - on their way back to London.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- I remember thinking it was strange - they'd decided to drive this way.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- The bomb exploded in the early hours - of Sunday morning.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- On Monday, it made headline news - in the Daily Post.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- There was a large-scale search - for the perpetrators...
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- ..and the police used dogs.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- The story on the front page - of the Western Mail...
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- ..said that the main transformer - had been destroyed.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- As a pacifist...
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- ..were you not concerned that - this act could lead to violence?
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- No, I didn't think so.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- Why not?
0:33:36 > 0:33:37- Why not?- - We knew we'd be caught!
0:33:39 > 0:33:44- With such amateur planning, - common sense said we'd be caught.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- If you hire a car - from Aberystwyth...
0:33:48 > 0:33:53- ..where else - would you begin your search?
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Huw Roberts - was an apprentice butcher.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Everyone in the shop - was talking about the explosion.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- He mentioned the three men - who were caught in the snow.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- The police were soon questioning him - after his boss had talked to them.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10- Within a week...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- ..he was in Aberystwyth to identify - Emyr Llywelyn in an ID parade.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- They were stood in front of me...
0:34:18 > 0:34:23- ..but I was glad that I didn't - recognize any of them.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- Huw Roberts received a number - of threatening letters...
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- ..because of the evidence - he had given.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- That weighed on his mind - for many years.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- I was worried at the time.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47- It's something I think about - every now and again.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- But there we are.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- There was nothing I could do.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- I'd seen them so that was that.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- Emyr Llywelyn was arrested - and appeared in court in Bala.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Many people - gathered to listen to the case.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13- Among them were two busloads - of Aberystwyth students.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- In retrospect...
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- ..do you think you did right - by using explosives?
0:35:22 > 0:35:23- No.
0:35:23 > 0:35:29- If I'd had the confidence back then - that I have now...
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- ..and didn't believe - we needed someone to lead us...
0:35:33 > 0:35:38- ..I would've been there during - the day with a group of students...
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- ..sat in front of those lorries.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- That would've been the ideal method.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- We went to Tryweryn at night...
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- ..because those who should - have been there in the day...
0:35:51 > 0:35:52- ..failed to lead us.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- I hate to admit it but it's true.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Emyr Llywelyn - was put on trial in Carmarthen.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- He pleaded guilty and was - imprisoned for twelve months.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- Do you regret your actions?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- I regret - not using a non-violent approach.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- I made up for that by becoming - the chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith...
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- ..when we adopted - a non-violent policy.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- That decision - is my proudest moment.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33- Cymdeithas yr Iaith has acted - honourably over the years.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35- That's more important to me - than Tryweryn.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37- .
0:36:40 > 0:36:40- Subtitles
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- On his journey back to Tryweryn, - Emyr Llywelyn has reached Bala.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- The memories are flooding back.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- This is the road to Tryweryn.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05- Yes.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- Since 1963, have you been there?
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Since 1963, have you been there?- - No, not since our act.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13- Not at all?
0:37:13 > 0:37:14- Not at all?- - No.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22- RS Thomas said, "There are - places in Wales I don't go."
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- Some memories are too bitter - and just too sad...
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- ..the memories - of what happened here.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38- There was a protest here - during a drought and I didn't come.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- It was too much for me - to return to Tryweryn.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- So this the first time - you've returned in 50 years.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- This is the first time - I've returned to Tryweryn.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- Emyr Llywelyn was imprisoned - for 12 months for bombing Tryweryn.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Later, Owain Williams - also received a year's sentence.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- John Albert Jones - received three years probation.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- The view is alien for Emyr - and a very different one...
0:38:34 > 0:38:36- ..to that of fifty years ago.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Was it a building site at that time?
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- Was it a building site at that time?- - Yes, it was a sea of mud.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- Heavy machinery whirring.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- The mountains are still here. The - surrounding hills are still here.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- The memories of what happened - are still here too.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- Under the water in Tryweryn...
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- ..there are twelve farms - and houses...
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- ..that were home to the 48 people - who lived in Capel Celyn.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- I think we're getting close - to the dam now.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- Yes, here's the car park.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- I'll get to meet John and Owain now.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- After fifty years, - the moment has arrived.
0:39:48 > 0:39:54- The student, the cafe owner - and the RAF man are back together.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- How are you, lads?
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- How are you?
0:40:06 > 0:40:07- Well, well, well.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- What will we do, lads? - What will we do?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- It's good to see you.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- I haven't seen you for a while. - I have seen you.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- You haven't seen John for 50 years.
0:40:26 > 0:40:27- Fifty years too long.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- You haven't changed a bit, John.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- How are you keeping?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- How are you keeping?- - I'm doing well, how about yourself?
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- You haven't changed much.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38- You haven't changed much.- - I'm not so sure about that!
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- The top's gone a little grey!
0:40:41 > 0:40:42- That happens to us all!
0:40:44 > 0:40:49- The three try to guess the position - of the transformer they destroyed.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57- Do you remember - the transformer - was over there and fed that line?
0:40:58 > 0:40:59- It was right at the end of the site.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- It was right at the end of the site.- - I couldn't remember where it was.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- You two scouted it out. - You should remember where it was!
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- You did the reconnaissance work!
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- You two should be - the ones who remember.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- Fifty years ago, the three - walked here over the hills.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- Everyone carried a part - of the explosive device.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- We went across the fields - and over the mountain.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- John carried a tray of - cream crackers with the explosives.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- One tray had the timer, - the other one had the detonators.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- Everyone had their job.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- There were no trees there - at that time.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- It took us some time - because the snow was so thick.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- I remember being tired - before we even reached the site.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- It was up to our waist - in some places.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- There were no trees over there.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- We came down the slope - and these lights came on.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- I remember having to depend - on your shoulders at the time.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- We had to get over - those three-pronged spikes.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- Isn't that when you hurt your leg?
0:42:10 > 0:42:11- No, that was later on.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- I think they were - about six feet in the air.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- You two raised me up to climb over - it and you insisted on coming in.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- He wasn't supposed to come in.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- He wouldn't listen!
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- I tried to reason with him - but he insisted on coming.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- We needed one person outside - to act as a guard.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- You weren't supposed to come in. - I admired you for coming in.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- You said if you were to be blown up, - we'd both go together.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- It was just the three of us. - We felt very close.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- John called us - The Three Musketeers earlier.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Good one, John! - I think that's very true.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- We were close.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- In October 1965, Liverpool Council - organised a ceremony...
0:43:05 > 0:43:06- ..to open the dam.
0:43:09 > 0:43:14- Things got out of hand as protesters - tried to disrupt proceedings.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- The wire for the microphone was cut - and a tent was taken down.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- The ceremony lasted - less than three minutes.
0:43:29 > 0:43:30- Did you come to the opening?
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- Did you come to the opening?- - No, I didn't want to come.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35- It hurt too much.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- I felt quite flat on that day.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- I was glad that a crowd turned up - to smash the opening ceremony.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- I heard that people - ran down the slopes.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52- It was rude to come here - to have a celebration.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57- Almost 50 years - after the village was flooded...
0:43:57 > 0:44:00- ..water from Tryweryn - still flows into the river Dee...
0:44:01 > 0:44:03- ..to supply Liverpool with water.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06- It's sad to be here. - Have you been back at all?
0:44:06 > 0:44:08- I've driven past here a few times.
0:44:09 > 0:44:10- I haven't been here.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12- I haven't been here.- - We pass by it regularly.
0:44:12 > 0:44:14- Yes, naturally.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- It's incredibly sad.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18- I try to remember it how it was.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- Capel Celyn - was a thriving village...
0:44:28 > 0:44:30- ..with a school, - a post office and a chapel.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- More than all of that - for Emyr, Owain and John...
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- ..a Welsh community - was to be wiped out.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39- In the village's disappearance...
0:44:40 > 0:44:44- ..they saw the wider decline - of Welsh-language communities.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56- As they look at the book's photos, - the three relive their experiences.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- Fifty years ago - feels like yesterday.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- I've got something for you, John.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- I've got something for you, John.- - Thank you very much.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- The three of us will sign it - after we get back.
0:45:08 > 0:45:09- Thank you.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27- I was sad to see the dam.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29- Where once there was a community...
0:45:30 > 0:45:32- ..there's nothing but cold water - over Tryweryn.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- That is heartbreaking. You can't - save things that are lost forever.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41- It took centuries to create - the beauty of that valley.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- It's disappeared forever - and the community with it.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- It was a very special feeling - for the three of us to meet today.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- A lot of emotions and memories - came running back...
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- ..especially as we met on the dam - in Capel Celyn.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- Camaraderie.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13- I think that describes everything.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16- It was there 50 years ago. - Was it there today?
0:46:17 > 0:46:18- Absolutely.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- I was married with three children - at the time.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34- Emyr was a student - and John was very young at the time.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38- Somebody had to act.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- I would have been glad if someone - else had done it instead of me.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- Emyr felt the same, so did John.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- If we'd sat there - waiting for someone to act...
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- ..nothing would have happened.
0:46:49 > 0:46:54- Someone had to act and it became - our responsibility. We took action.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01- There is a Tryweryn in every age.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- It's important that we remember it.
0:47:03 > 0:47:08- It's important that we - look around us and take a stand.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- Rather than just talking, - that we take action.
0:47:11 > 0:47:16- What struck me today - was my pride in taking action.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:48:02 > 0:48:03- .