As we go through our daily lives, we are ever conscious of the history that has gone before us. Events in the past are the foundation of our present. However, from time to time we must stop and reflect on our history, in order to gain an appreciation of what others have gone through for us.

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During an interview to research into the events leading up to the construction of the village hall, Mr. and Mrs. Monk informed me that the fiftieth anniversary of the reopening and rededication of the church after the war would soon be upon us. Therefore, with short notice, we are gathered here tonight to commemorate this occasion. This reopening was the result of much rebuilding following the bomb damage that occurred seven years previously. Having talked to several villagers who lived at Redwick at the time I can now describe to you the happenings of the still summer’s night on 5th August, 1942.

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Between 1 and 2a.m., three to four medium sized bombs were dropped in the vicinity of North Row and Bryn Road. The bomb that affected the church and surrounding houses dropped in a field between “the Pound” and “Ty Llan”.

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In Fred Hando’s “Journeys in Gwent”, he searches for a reason as to why these bombs should be dropped on Redwick. He guesses that the airman was aiming at Newport, or that “out of sheer kindness he was ‘laying his eggs in open country’”. However, it is also believed that, during the aircraft’s retreat from an attack on Bristol, its form was lit by a searchlight, situated in a field close to “Mead Farm”. The pilot then released the bombs in order to gain height to avoid the gunners at Nash.

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As the night was so clear and still, the voices of those suddenly woken by the attack carried across the village. Some thirty to forty people gathered in Bryn Road to witness what had happened and to offer what help they could. These included a visiting couple from Bristol, who had been staying with Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Waters, who offered assistance in their capacity as a first aider and an ARP warden.

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Mr. Prescott, the owner of a thatched cottage in which he lived with his wife, left his house to survey the area – checking that all was well. However, on his return, he discovered that his cottage had been set alight by flying shrapnel. On seeing that his wife was safe, he entered the blaze to retrieve his shotgun – foreseeing their need for a meal the following day!

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The fire engines that arrived to attempt to control the flames pumped water from the reens nearby. It is reported that the sudden noise that the pumps made, caused panic amongst the bystanders. They were under the impression that they were again under enemy aircraft attack and took cover in a dry ditch.

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The blasts took their toll on several other houses close by. It is reported that the doors blew out of the house at “Mead Farm” and sections of the roof and wall structures fell into a bedroom at “Jubilee Cottage”. The late Mr. Eric Payne used to tell me how heavily he slept. Despite the fact that much damage was caused to “Church Farm”, he slept right through the night and was astonished to find the debris around him the following morning.

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When daylight came, the extent of the damage to the village was evident. It was discovered that the north side of the roof and wall of the church had been destroyed and the debris, made up of ceiling rubble and lathe and plaster throughout the body of the church was estimated to be 2’ 6’’ deep, only the tops of the pews were visible.

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The church was closed and services took place at Redwick Chapel, every other Sunday – alternating with the Baptist worshippers. During the following winter months, “Hunts” the builders (of Magor) carried out temporary repairs to make the church as waterproof as possible. The church was only used for special services such as the marriages of Mr. and Mrs. Cole and Mr. and Mrs. Monk.

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Eventually, financial aid was available from the War Commission, enabling more substantial work to be done and the church was restored. The reopening took place on St Patrick’s Day, 17th March 1949. The service was taken by the Rev. Clayton Evans, the vicar of the time, and the ceremony conducted by Bishop Morris.

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It amazes me that these extraordinary things happened and yet everyday village life carried on. I did not realise the extent of the incident and was frequently surprised by the information that was passed on to me by Mr. Herbert James, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Monk, Mrs. Blanche Jones, Mr. Courtney Waters, Mr. Ralph Waters and Mr. David Jones, to whom I am extremely grateful. A disaster such as this shows how community spirit can override extreme difficulties and how villagers can pull together as one.

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17th March 1999

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