So, how many lads with a Swansea link won Victoria Crosses in World War I? Answer: two.

William Fuller. Survived the war.
George Prowse. Didn't survive the war.

Brave men, indeed.

Bernard Lewis

'Swansea Pals' was published in 2004. It sold out in hardback within 12 months (about 800 copies - its NOT JK Rowling!). It also sold well in paperback.

With the approach of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I interest in the media seems to be growing. In the past 9 months I've had more approaches from TV companies etc. about the Swansea Pals book than in the previous 9 years.

I understand that 3 Welsh TV production companies have used the 'Swansea Pals' book as the background to their 'pitches' to BBC Wales for documentaries to be broadcast in 2104. There are other companies with other themes also pitching, so it is by no way guaranteed that the book will eventually be 'converted' into a TV programme. But I should have some news in the next month or so...

The BBC were actually looking for 'pitches' on any one of three topics - Wales and the Great War; Dylan Thomas; obesity.

Fingers crossed we get some good news...

Bernard Lewis 

I gave an interview today to Mumbles Community Radio about my books: Swansea and the Workhouse; Swansea Pals; and Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around Swansea.

I also appealed for information from any listeners who had information on aspects of Swansea in the Great War - my forthcoming book (publication autumn 2014).

I rounded off the day with a visit to a lady who had some relevant information...plus a visit to Verdis in Mumbles for the customary ice cream and coffee!!

Got any information on Swansea in the Great War? Please get in touch!

Bernard Lewis 

Welcome!

I'm Bernard Lewis, author of 'Swansea Pals', the Swansea Battalion in the Great War.

I'm currently researching on a broader theme - 'Swansea in the Great War' - following a writing commission from Pen and Sword Books. This book will be published in autumn 2014, the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I.

If you have any information on Swansea in the Great War, whether by way of a family member who served in the armed forces, or someone who helped in some capacity on the Home Front I'd be pleased to hear from you.

I am interested in those with a strong Swansea link who served in the armed forces but also those who worked in munitions, or maybe women who took jobs that were previously typically taken by men. The experience of conscientious objectors is also of interest.

I particularly need photographs, letters, diaries or memoirs of those who played a part in Swansea in the Great War.

If you can help or would like to (eventually) buy a copy of the book, please get in touch!

Bernard Lewis
29 April 2013.