2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Walk Dedication

 Each year I try and dedicate my walk to someone or something. This year, with permission from his daughter, Alison, I am dedicating it to her late father, Mauvan Jenkins, MM who was brought up in Pembroke Dock.

Mauvan was the son of the late pastor of Bethany Baptist Chapel, Rev. Evan Jenkins. His mother died and Rev Jenkins married my great-aunt Alicia Maud Stephens.

During WW2 Mauvan was in his early twenties. He joined up and served with the 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.

79 years ago, on 14^th February 1945, No. 6030531 Corporal William George Mauvan JENKINS, The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of (Edinburgh's) (Pembroke Dock) was awarded the Military Medal.  

Cpl W G Mauvan Jenkins, MM receiving his medal from Field Marshall Montgomery

As a family my generation knew that Uncle Mauvan had been awarded the MM and were told it was because he had carried a wounded comrade back to safety under fire. That this quiet, un-assuming, gentle, man had  done this was accepted as a very “matter-of-fact” event. His picture, being awarded the medal by Field Marshall Montgomery, had pride of place on in my great-aunts home but nothing was ever spoken about.

Recently I started to do some research and came across his entry in the London Gazette dated 24^th May 1945. I continued my research and finally discovered on a website called WW1.Wales, under Pembrokeshire WW2 Heroes  https://ww1.wales/west-wales-gallantry-awards/pembrokeshire-ww2-heroes/  an entry for one, William Mauvan Jenkins, MM, Corporal, 6030531, Wiltshire Regiment.

I read on and was completely astounded by the magnitude of his bravery. None of my generation, including his daughter, had any idea of the circumstances and what he must have gone through then and even the possibility of how it affected his later years.

This was the citation for the Military Medal recommended and written by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Corbyn, MC.

'South of Cleve on 14 Feb 45 the Company to which this NCO belonged attacked by night a number of buildings which proved to be held by the enemy in some strength. The leading Platoon was stopped by enemy MG fire and suffered a number of casualties. Cpl Jenkins Platoon was then ordered to move to the left of the main road and attack the buildings from a flank. The Platoon Commander took forward one section with him, with Cpl Jenkins in charge. They encountered very heavy automatic fire at extremely close range. Rushing the first enemy post Cpl Jenkins took two prisoners. Almost at once his Platoon Commander was wounded and his Platoon Sergeant killed. Moving close to the buildings, Cpl Jenkins, despite the fact that his Sten carbine refused to function, disarmed 3 further prisoners and captured a fourth. Very heavy enemy fire continued to be directed at his section and an enemy SP gun opened fire at point blank range. By this time almost every man in his section was either killed or wounded. Finding his original route was swept by enemy fire Cpl Jenkins skirted the buildings to find an alternate route. While he was doing so one of his prisoners was killed and one of his own section wounded in the head. Taking his wounded comrade with him Cpl Jenkins successfully brought him to the safety of the Company area of the adjoining unit. The behaviour of this NCO was of the highest order. His example was a magnificent encouragement to his men in the most difficult circumstances.'

The purpose of me writing this dedication is firstly to honour my uncle but, more importantly to highlight the importance of reaching out and getting the right support and help to aid mental health. His daughter said that she knew nothing of this event and, knowing it now, makes a lot of what she saw and experienced in her (very happy) childhood make sense. 

This is part of the reason I am fundraising for the VC Gallery, Pembroke Dock while they support local veterans and the community in general. 

RIP Uncle Mauvan and your lovely wife, Aunty Megan, who supported you and Alison un-complainingly over the years.