War Memorials
Pontyclun War Memorial
Expertly crafted from Portland Stone, the Celtic ring cross memorial cuts an elegant silhouette with its intricately tapered shaft rising from a substantial pedestal and tiered base. The stonework is truly a marvel, with the cross and shaft adorned in delicate interlace patterns.
This poignant landmark was brought to life by the renowned W. Clarke firm of Llandaff. Archival records offer a glimpse into the memorial’s meticulous creation by a team of skilled craftsmen led by sculptor Ellis and mason Henry Durrell, whose intricate lacework elevates the piece to artistic brilliance.
From the initial design work by Harry Gregory in 1920 to the unveiling in 1922 after years of painstaking effort, the Pontyclun War Memorial stands as an enduring symbol of the town’s resilience and the tremendous sacrifices made to secure our freedom. The £592 that was paid for the construction seems a modest sum for such a priceless cultural treasure.
The memorial took on even greater significance after World War II when the names of the newly fallen were etched alongside their predecessors. The re-dedication ceremony on 3rd September 1950
Information about those who are commemorated from the Second World War can be found at this link
Information about those who are commemorated from the First World War can be found at this link
Miskin War Memorial
The Miskin War memorial is situated right in the centre of Miskin near to the Miskin Arms.
This memorial commemorates the residents of Miskin who were killed or missing in World War I (9 names) and World War II (4 names). These are listed on black plaques on the memorial. Unusually the names of those that served (and returned alive) from World War I are also listed.
It is a four faced pillar with plaques on each face, surmounted by plinth with four figures surmounted by spire and cross. It was made by the firm of W. Clarke of Llandaff who also built the memorial in Pontyclun.
There is a tall square pedestal with enriched finial, on a stepped square plinth. In the canopies are sculpted figures of a soldier, sailor and airman, while the fourth side is a nurse.
Work commenced on March 14th, 1919, with Guy Clarke and Mr Gregory spending 18 ½ hours on the design. The stone is Portland stone and whilst it was transported by Rail to Ely station in Cardiff it had to be hauled overland from there.
Work took about 3000 hours with 17 men employed at one time or another on the work (plus the time to haul the stone from Cardiff). A Mr Mills carved the figures and Mr Ellis the wreaths.
The work was completed by 3rd October, but the Imperial War Museum says it was not officially unveiled until 17th April 2020.
The Council would like to thank Michael Statham for the historic information on this war memorial.
Groesfaen
Whilst Groesfaen does not have a war memorial there are two plaques commemorating war dead who have links to the village. These are sited in the stone bus shelter at the green.
In addition there is a war grave in the church
Information about the war dead commemorated in Groesfaen can be found here