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United States Military Hospital 1943 - 1945 |
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It all began in 1943. The area of Pentyrch,
St. Fagans, Groesfaen and all the other happy villages had been sending
young men to fight in the Second World War, but life changed. Gone were the
horse-drawn carts. The effects of the War were heavily felt
with loss of lives, great sadness, and for many families, grief
beyond what they had experienced over many generations.
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Rationing began. And the United States joined in
to help Great Britain alongside the other allies to try to make progress
with the war.
The Americans had arrived, and they needed a hospital for their injured soldiers. So a site at Rhydlafar was designated to be a hospital for wounded United States servicemen. Nissen Huts were quickly constructed; staff came from near and far; and so the injured were treated. Local medical staff were employed and the whole area around had a new experience.
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The Americans settled well. And thankfully many, having met their
sweethearts, decided to
stay and contribute to the lives of local
villages. The young Americans brought smiles to the faces
of the bereaved. Their friendliness was infectious; their music and dancing
so different; and most of all, their courage so far away from their homeland was
something that will never be forgotten.
So – many of these young soldiers stayed, and they and their future generations have become part of Rhydlafar for ever. Some took their sweethearts back to America, but still remained in touch with the folk who helped them through such bad times. They will not be forgotten – they will remain the “Unforgettable Americans”. |
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