Cardiff Council’s Park Services has worked closely with Whitchurch Women’s Institute (WI) to refurbish two special war memorials.
The historical plaques date back to WWII and were erected on Whitchurch Common by the American Embassy. It was a way to thank to local people for the hospitality their soldiers had received during the war before they had left for the D Day landings.
The American soldiers were camped on Whitchurch Common and officers were billeted around the village. The American Padre would preach in the Baptist church and a canteen was set up in St Mary’s Church Hall where local girls would help prepare sandwiches.
The plaques read; ‘’This avenue of trees was planted on behalf of the 2nd Evacuation Unit of the United States Army as a token of gratitude for the hospitality extended to them by the parishioners of Whitchurch during the Second World War 1939 – 1945.”
Over the years the condition of the plaques has deteriorated and this was highlighted by the Whitchurch WI public affairs group who have worked with the Council to get the relevant work completed.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “These plaques are a significant part of the history of Whitchurch and they depict an important period of time.
“It is wonderful that we have worked together with members from the local Womens Institute to refurbish them and bring them back to their former glory.
“The essential restoration works means that they can continue to be enjoyed by local people to remember the past whilst educating younger generations.”
