Ray Griffiths Holiday Memories

A Memory of Pembroke Dock.

I have wonderful memories of Pembroke Dock. We used to holiday there once a year at my mothers aunts. The first memories i have of holidaying there was in 1947 when I was 8 years old. The poor old town had taken a real battering during the war years and I remember asking my brother who is 6 years older than me why were there so many houses that had fallen down, of course at that age I did not fully realize what the town had gone through.
The main attraction for me was Front Street, us kids would walk out along a narrow ledge towards what I think is a defensible tower and fish for crabs. This was when i asked my brother why the houses had fallen down as I now know of course they had been bombed. Barrack hill was also another attraction with its imposing defensible barracks and fine view over the town, with the river in the background. That was my first sighting of the rusting and blackened oil tanks which had been bombed and burnt out. the scorched grass blackened around them. We often watched the Sunderland flying boats take off and land and the incredible noise the engines made. It was a great time for us youngsters exploring the area, Llandreath (hope iv'e spelt it correctly), the ferry and boat rides up the river. I continued holidaying in Pembroke Dock every year staying at my aunt Lilles at the top of Diamond Street. i believe at that time which I believe would be 1959/ 1960 they were fairly well known, Bill Blunt my uncle was a coach with the local football team and at one time they ran the British Legion pub down at the bottom of Diamond Street
It was around this time that the Germans began tank training at Castle Martin Range, there was a place to park up overlooking it.and watched the tanks.. I remember there was mixed feelings among the locals at this and CND protests. Personally I got on well with the soldiers who used to hang out at the Double 2 coffee bar. At that time I had just met a local girl and spent quite some time there with her (Melver Jones). I last visited the 'Dock' in 1966 as sadly age took its tole and circumstances changed, I could go on but dont want to bore you anymore. Ime in my 80's now and although I would like to visit, the old place will have changed so much ime sure will have lost its magic.

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