The Solva area was extensively involved in World War II, with the construction of St Davids Airfield in 1943 and Brawdy Airfield the following year. The former lies less than a mile north of Solva, and now provides a circular walk along a hard path with many access branches into wilder areas. Along with the airfield itself, accommodation blocks were provided for ground staff, air crew, prisoners of war and armed-forces personnel just passing through – hence, there are old concrete bases and, in some instances, simple buildings bordering the main A487 highway from Solva to Llandruidion and along the back road, inland, from Whitchurch to Fachelich. After the war and until 1960, the airfield became a service centre, run by Airworks, for forces’ planes – and was staffed by many local people from Solva and St Davids.
Solva’s war memorial is situated towards the top of the hill between Lower and Upper Solva, just before the junction with Pen yr Aber, and was built to honour local people who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. It is the focal point of the annual Remembrance Day service held in November.
Constructed in 1920, the memorial is said to have been designed by the Irish war artist Sir John Lavery and consists of a granite Celtic cross on a large block raised on five steps. It is inscribed on the northern side with ‘Ein Meirw Gogoneddus’, and on the south side with its translation: ‘Our Glorious Dead’. It is one of those striking memorials – of which there seem to be many in Wales – to bear the dates 1914–1919 rather than ‘–1918’. The later date refers to the point at which the Treaty of Versailles was signed: 28 June 1919.
Solva’s Memorial Hall – just a short walk up the hill from the monument – contains two brass plates that commemorate the men of the Parishes of Solva and Whitchurch who fell during both world wars.
Solva commemorated the end of the Great War throughout 2018. Solva Heritage Society, in particular, organised a series of events that were both poignant and thought provoking. Below is an illustrated document, produced by Brenda Lloyd, that summarises Solva Heritage Society’s contribution.
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