First 'Silent Soldier' receives grand unveiling

Vale mayor, Cllr Janice Charles and representatives from HMS Cambria unveiled the figure – a near life-size silhouette of a First World War infantry soldier, next to the merchant navy memorial on Friday, October 13.

The monument was dedicated by the mayor to "those from the county who served the armed forces in the conflict and all those whose lives it touched."

Cllr Charles said: “The First World War was a conflict that touched the lives of millions and in many ways shaped our understanding of the sacrifices all those who serve in the armed forces make.

“Next year will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the end of the conflict and I was proud to be able to join with reservists from HMS Cambria to dedicate the Vale’s first Silent Soldier.

“The Silent Soldier will stand outside the Civic Offices until the end of 2018 and I hope will give both staff and visitors pause for thought.

“As Armed Forces champion for the Vale of Glamorgan Council I am pleased to announce that the council will be working with the British Legion and offering spots at many our open spaces where other Silent Soldier memorials can be installed.”

Cllr Charles was joined by representatives of the Barry based HMS Cambria Royal Naval Reserve Unit.

The dedication of the Silent Soldier was just one of many ways in which the unit will be participating in this year’s remembrance commemorations, with the seamen involved in the unveiling also due to form part of the guard at the national remembrance parade next month.

The Silent Soldier campaign is being administered by the Royal British Legion which is inviting both businesses and private individuals to sponsor silhouettes across the Vale. More information about the campaign can be found online at britishlegion.org.uk.

For further information on the available council managed locations where Silent Soldiers can be installed and on the process for applying, residents should contact the parks team on 01446 709371.