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 14th 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 24th 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.