SUMMARY
00:00:04 Introduction
00:00:36 David is born in Graigwen, Pontypridd, in 1925, before the family moves to Pwllgwaun, Pontypridd
00:01:16 David desired to become a blacksmith and from the age of ten he worked at Gibson’s blacksmith, Pwllgwaun until the age of fourteen when Mr Gibson facilitated a job at Ty Mawr blacksmith shop, where he stayed for sixteen years before settling at the Nantgarw coke ovens
00:02:53 Within a few weeks of beginning work, the radio brings news of the beginning of World War II
00:03:24 An early interest in politics and attending a speaking event by Oswald Mosely at a park off Berw Road, Pontypridd in 1936/37
00:05:59 The interest in politics continued and David is personally inducted into the Labour Party by Jim Griffiths, Secretary of State for the Colonies, and also joined the South Wales Miners’ Federation and becomes Treasurer and then Chairman of the Nantgarw Lodge
00:07:44 At aged 15, David contributes to the war effort by becoming a Fire Watcher at Pwllgwaun Infants School
00:08:10 Despite applying to join the army, David is called to join the Home Guard in 1942 and remembers the locations and training he experienced in the local area
00:10:30 David encounters and detains a suspicious character while on Home Guard duty
00:12:26 Remembering attending the shooting range at a local quarry
00:13:38 The ‘Salute the Soldier Week’ parade
00:14:01 A mood of optimism replaces fear in 1942 as it is sensed that the war is being won. The bombing of Graigwen, Pontypridd
00:15:33 Gun emplacements and searchlight locations in the area
00:16:40 Rationing and the black market provides a leg of pork
00:18:30 Wartime blackouts
00:19:14 Manning the “Pillbox” machine gun post on Rhondda Road as part of his duties
00:20:56 Remembering the Bevin Boys
00:24:41 Entertainment in Pontypridd during the war, many cinemas and the Star Ballroom
00:25:45 American troops riot amongst themselves and the arrival of the GIs
00:29:00 Local tunnel used as storage for American guns and tanks