Remembering 'Three Sons of Barry'

In The Ministry Area of Barry Rev'd Zoe King has led a very special service of blessing for three graves in Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery which have been taken over by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The men being commemorated were Engine Room Artificer brothers John and Isaac Scandlon, and William Maxwell, a Chief Seward who served as a Mercantile Marine on S.S. "Eskmere" (Liverpool), he died on 13 October 1917 aged 59 years old.

John Scandlon served on H.M.S. Attentive II, and died on 03 July 1921, Isaac Scandlon died on 26th December 1916 on H.M.S. Vivid II.

Prior to being taken over by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, William Maxwell's grave had been unmarked as his widow was unable to afford a headstone.

During the touching act of remembrance and blessing Rev'd Zoe spoke about her own family's experiences of armed conflict, telling the gathered dignitaries and members of the public, "History books are full of those who made decisions. Unfortunately, graveyards are full of those who carry them out.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that no one is insignificant and no one is forgotten. As a person of the cloth I also pray for the day the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is no longer needed, except to care for the graves already in their care, and not to add any more."

Members of the Merchant Navy Association (Wales) read the Kohima Epitaph before a bugler from Barry Brass Band played the last post to begin a moment of silent reflection.

Dignitaries including the Lord Mayor and Kanishka Narayan, MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, and representatives of the Merchant Navy and Commowealth War Grave Associations then laid wreaths and paid their respects to the three men.

It was wonderful to see so many members of the community coming together to pay their respects and give thanks for the sacrdifices of the three men described by Rev'd Zoe as 'three sons of Barry."