Category: Wales
Date: 15.04.2005
Printable version
The people of Wales cannot afford to forget the lessons of the Second World War - that's the message from Cardiff-born broadcaster John Humphrys, as the 60th anniversary of VE Day approaches.
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To mark the anniversary, Humphrys is presenting a new four-part television series for 大象传媒 Wales, Wales At War With John Humphrys (Tuesday 19 April, 大象传媒 ONE Wales) which tells first-hand tales of those who lived through the Second World War.
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The quote, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it", is as relevant today as ever, according to the Today presenter.
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"Sadly I'm not sure World War Two is relevant to everyone," says Humphrys.
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"There are signs that young people aren't even really aware of who Hitler was or what he did or why we fought him.
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"That matters a great deal. It is vitally important that we remember
the great wars - not least because only by remembering can we hope to
prevent such appalling horror happening again.
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"We should also remember as a mark of respect to those men and
women who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf."
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The programme features people from across Wales recalling the emotional
experiences and dilemmas presented by the war.
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This will include former prisoner of war Winfreid Trepte, from Aberystwyth,
who was a young dedicated member of the Nazi party living in small town
Germany when Hitler's troops invaded Poland in September 1939.
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John Walsh from Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Arthur Jones from Pentrebane, Cardiff,
and Stella Howard from Butetown, Cardiff, each recall the intimidation
and hazards of the wartime blackout rules.
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Swansea residents Miriam Evans and Don Strawbridge describe their time
spent in air raid shelters.
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Even though John Humphrys himself was a young child living in Splott,
Cardiff, during the war, he too can recall details of the time.
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"I was born in the middle of the war and vaguely remember taking shelter
during air raids in the cellar of the local chemist shop in Pearl Street,
where we lived," he says.
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"I can also remember playing on what we called the 'bomb sites' - the
houses that had been flattened when bombs fell near us. I suppose they
were intended for the steelworks at East Moors or the Docks, but went
astray.
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"I think everyone who lived through those years and their aftermath
- even as young as I was - has a special interest in them. if only the
memory of rationing and the joy of being able to buy sweets when it
was lifted."
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Wales At War With John Humphrys, Tuesday April 19, 大象传媒 ONE Wales at
10.35pm
