Mapping the distribution of WW1 memorials in Welsh metalworks
This map shows the location (or former location) of 25 memorials commissioned by Welsh metalworks to commemorate their workmen who served in the First World War.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1gH4oBlW7H_N5R9atUzkvy-sAJYEbgQlq&usp=sharing
Further information, including links to websites about these memorials, can be found here:
| Name (English) | Type of works | Company | No of names who died | No of names who served (inc dead) | URLs |
| Mond Nickelworks, Clydach | Nickel | Mond | 32 | 32 | https://war-memorials.swan.ac.uk/?page_id=4&paged=3 |
| GKN Cwmbran Ironworks | Iron-steel | GKN | 59 | 59 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/17554 |
| Old Castle Tinplate Works, Llanelli | Tinplate | 31 | 31 | https://ww1.wales/carmarthenshire-memorials/llanelli-old-castle-tinplate-war-memorial | |
| GKN Cardiff Ironworks | Iron-steel | GKN | 37 | 37 | https://roathlocalhistorysociety.org/local-history/war-memorials/guest-keen-and-nettlefolds-war-memorials/ |
| Upper Forest and Worcester, Morriston | Steel + Tinplate | 54 | 54 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/36969 | |
| Mannesman Tubeworks, Landore | Tubeworks | 58 | 58 | https://war-memorials.swan.ac.uk/?p=493 | |
| Hafod Isha Works, Swansea | Nickel & Cobalt | 11 | 11 | https://war-memorials.swan.ac.uk/?p=345 | |
| Morlais Tinplate works, Llangennech | Tinplate | 1 | 39 | https://ww1.wales/carmarthenshire-memorials/kidwelly-morlais-tinplate-works-war-memorial | |
| GKN Castle Steelworks, Rogerstone | Iron-steel | GKN | 44 | 44 | http://war-memorials.swan.ac.uk/?p=52 |
| GKN Dowlais Works | Iron-steel | GKN | 59 | 59 | |
| GKN Dowlais Office Staff | Iron-steel | GKN | 5 | 5 | |
| Orb Works, Newport | Iron-steel | Lysaght | 121 | 121 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/3688 |
| Gilbertson Works, Pontardawe | Steel + Tinplate | 34 | 321 | https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/45700/The-Gilbertson-Works-Pontardawe | |
| Briton Ferry Steelworks | Iron-steel | Briton Ferry Steel Company | 6 | 92 | https://twitter.com/WelshMemorials/status/1278332147884077058 |
| Albion Steelworks, Briton Ferry | Iron-steel | Briton Ferry Steel Company | 2 | 74 | https://twitter.com/WelshMemorials/status/1278332147884077058 |
| Villiers Tinplate Co., Briton Ferry | Tinplate | 11 | 104 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/84629 | |
| Abercarn Tinplaters | Tinplate | Thomas Richard & Co. | 26 | 26 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/3668 |
| Melyn Tinplate Company | Tinplate | 23 | 23 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/84711 | |
| Port Talbot Steel Company | Iron-steel | 39 | 39 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/17710 | |
| GKN Coverack Road, Newport | Iron-steel | GKN | 5 | 5 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/6677 |
| Ebbw Vale Company | Iron-steel | Ebbw Vale | No names – almost 1000 | No names – approx 8000 | https://firstworldwar.gwentheritage.org.uk/content/catalogue_item/war-memorial-to-the-fallen-employees-of-the-ebbw-vale-company |
| Mansel Tinplate Works | Tinplate | Robert B Byass & Co | 29 | 29 | https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/70384/War-Memorial-Robert-B-Byass-en-Company.htm |
| Morfa Tinplate Works | Tinplate | John S. Tregoning & Co. | 12 | 89 | https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/50318 |
| Crawshay Mountain Levels and Steelworks | Coal and steel | Crawshay Brothers | 13 | 13 | Crawshay Mountain Levels and Steelworks |
| Neath Sheet Steel and Galvanizing Works | Iron-steel | 19 | 19 | https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4437083/4437090/88/ |
These 25 memorials are analysed in a journal article: Gethin Matthews, ‘Splendid patriotism and heroic self-sacrifice’: First World War memorials in Welsh metalworks, Historical Encounters, 8.3 (2021), 73-84. https://doi.org/10.52289/hej8.306
g.h.matthews April 12th, 2021
Posted In: Uncategorized