Please see "About us" for details of the venue and times of branch meetings.
We are happy to see visitors at any of our meetings - just turn up.
Branch meetings have restarted at the community centre at Queens Road, Craig y Don, Llandudno on Saturday afternoons at 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm
Meetings For 2025
4th Jan: The 1st Day Of The Retreat And The Actions At Elouges 24th August 1914 Steve Binks Branch Vice Chairman & former battlefield guide Steve will tell the story of the 1st day of the retreat from Mons & the actions at Elouges in particular.
1st Feb: The Battle Of Le Cateau 26th August 1914 Niall Cherry
This presenation by battlefield guide, historian & author Niall Cherry will explore the Battle Of Le Cateau which took place on the 26th August 1914. Niall is returning to the branch again by popular request.
1st March: AGM & The Royal Welsh Fusiliers At Ypres October 1914 Darryl Porrino
This talk by branch chairman Darryl Porrino will tell the story of the near destruction of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Ypres in October 1914 that resulted in most of the officers & men becoming casualties.
5th April: The Great War & The Silent Screen Andy Moody
This talk by Andy Moody MA explores the influences of the Great War on 1920's film making, using films such as Wings, Journey's End & The Big Parade. This talk is based on Andy's dissertation for his MA.
10th May: Where's Willie? John Storey
This presentation, by branch secretary John Storey is an examination of events surrounding the death of Lt Col William Norman Stewart, DSO, TD, killed on the 22nd March 1918 whilst commanding the 6th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment, at Epehy & the search for his final resting place.
7th June: Open Meeting B
Branch annual open meeting. By popular request we have made this meeting a permanent fixture in our calendar. Member will tage the stage to give a number of talks about some research, artefacts or an event that is of particular interest to them.
5th July: The Penmaenmawr Quarry Boys Anne Pedley
”From Stone To Sand”.
The story of the men who worked at the local quarry and enlisted together at the beginning of the war & went on to serve at Gallipoli, & Egypt & Palestine. Anne is a former
lecturer. She is a trustee at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum situated in Caernarfon Castle.
2nd August: Branch Away Day
This is the traditional branch “away day”. We will vidit a location of specific Great War connection, such as a cemetery or regimental museum.
6th September: Not On The War Memorial Bridget Geoghegan
Branch member Bridget will give a talk concerning names that were missed off her local war memorial. Bridget is a historian who has done tremendous research on the names of Bangor Railway Station war memorial.
4th October: Giant: Lloyd George's Welsh General or The Life & Careers of Major genral Sir
Ivor Philipps DSO, KCB, Mp from India To Mametz Wood & Beyond. Jon Williams
Jon Williams MA returns to our branch after his highly popular talk in 2024. His presenation will be one of the above topics.
1st Nov: A Postcard For Lina Peter Chadwick
Historian Peter Chadwick will tell the story of a collection of around 300 postcards a German soldier sent to his wife Lina in Hamburg throughout the war. He initially served in Croatia & Hungary and eventuall in France & Belgium.
6th Dec: Branch Christmas Social
Tour traditional Chrismas Social. A chance for member to take the stage. There will be Vice chair Steve's fiendish quiz as well as a buffet.
The Western Front Association, North Wales Branch is a Registered Charity numbered 29
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2nd March
AGM
Our annual general meeting to discuss branch matters. This will be followed by a session to help novices with their research.
13th April
Four Nurses And One Vicar In WW1
Member Keith Walker will be giving a talk based on his research, in this intriguingly titled presentation about four nurses & the most highly decorated civilian in WW1. Please note the slightly later starting time. Doors open 2pm for a 2.30pm start.
4th May
Keeping The Home Fires Burning
Author, historian & broadcaster Phil Carradice will be talking about the home front during World War One. Phil is a former teacher and regularly holds creative writing workshops in schools, colleges & societies.
8th June
Open Day
Following our successful Christmas Social, and by popular demand, we are having an open day for members to present & discuss any aspect of the First World War that is of interest to them, including items from their collections & books that they enjoyed. Please note the slightly later start time. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.
13th July
Heswall Methodist Church Memorial
Historian John Crowther will be giving a talk about the men listed on Heswall Church Memorial. He was ably assisted with the military research by the late Trevor Adams, a longstanding & stalwart branch member. John will dedicate his talk to Trevor. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.
3rd August
Branch Away day Rhyl Town Cemetery
Branch chairman Darryl Porrino will be conducting a tour of the cemetery, telling the stories of the men who died during the First World War. This will be followed by a social at a local hostelry.
7th September
Fred Birks VC & MM
Historian Tony Griffiths will present the story of Fred Birks who was awarded both the Victoria Cross & Military Medal while serving with the Australian Imperial Force. He will also present a film based on his research.
5th October
Enhancing The Redemption Narrative. The 38th (Welsh) Division after Mametz Wood 1916
South Wales branch member Jon Williams MA will give a talk about the adverse criticism directed at the 38th (Welsh) Division after Mametz Wood July 1916. It is based on his dissertation for his MA.
2nd November
Member Ian Lowe will be giving a talk. Title to be confirmed.
7th December
Our Christmas Social