TWO Dinas Powys soldiers have had their names added to the village memorial, 100 years after their deaths.

Griffith Edwin Rhys Thomas and John Spear were discovered by Derek Brushett who had found them to be missing from the Roll of Honour of World War One on the memorial.

Griffith Thomas was born in Flintshire in 1895 but his family moved to St Cadoc’s, Highwalls after the death of his father.

Griffith was one of 29,000 casualties at the battle of Flers-Corcellette during the Somme campaign whilst he was part of 1st/15th Battalion of the Prince of Wales Own Civil Service Rifles.

John Spear was born in Chamberlain Row in 1890. He was later sent to Ely Workhouse and then boarded out to a St Fagans farm. He was killed on November 25, 1917 while part of the Royal Welch regiment at the capture of Bourlon Wood, aged just 27.

Mr Brushett told those assembled at the rededication about the lives of both soldiers. He has also written a book on the lives of others who died, which is available in the parish hall.

Councillor Chris Franks, chairman of the Community Council, led the tributes along with one of the relatives of John Spear, members of the Legion and a representative from Dinas Powys Ecumenical Seven who played the Last Post.

The Reverend Andrews James led the prayers while Cllr Franks thanked all those who had contributed to the memorial and to all who attended on the day.

He said: “We are grateful for the financial support of the Welsh government and Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 and for all the work of the clerk to the council, Mrs Butler."