A DEDICATION SERVICE was held in memory of one of the founding members of Penarth’s Salvation Army last week.

Captain Steve Mayo led the touching service in memory of Tommy Wallace at Penarth Cemetery last Thursday, January 22.

During the dedication service he said it was particularly poignant that his great grandson Bruce Wallace carried the Salvation Army flag, as around 100 years ago Tommy Wallace would have carried it himself and it would have been held at his funeral too.

He also spoke about how Tommy Wallace saved the Salvation Army flag when the organisation’s Penarth headquarters were burnt down in a fire on Salop Street in 1922.

Tommy had taken the flag home so it wasn’t lost in the fire that destroyed Allen’s Garage (which is now Pearson’s Garage) and the hall above it.

After he retired in 1923 he went on become the oldest Salvation Army Colour Sergeant in Wales.

His grave at Penarth Cemetery was recently discovered by his great grandson Bruce Wallace, after he painstakingly researched into his family tree.

Bruce Wallace, who was joined by his wife and mother at the service, said that it was a case of “serendipity” to honour his great grandfather with a dedication service in the same way his funeral was conducted.

“He was born and grew up in Wiltshire but came here to settle in this town,” he said.

“He joined the Salvation Army and carried their flag for more than 40 years.

“I spent about five years researching into my family and here we are today.

“I would like to thank the Salvation Army for providing photos and helping with my research.”

Max Scott-Cook, who helped Bruce research into his family tree, said: “It’s an honour for me to be here for such a special occasion.

“It’s very moving for me to have my daughter Helen Dyer here to sing ‘My Jesus I love thee’ after my grandmother sang the same song at Tommy’s funeral.

“It was a very moving experience and I can now sense what it was like when they stood here more than 80 years ago.”

The memorial stone for Tommy Wallace, who died in 1931, lies near the top of Penarth Cemetery.