The film 'War Horse' has received much acclaim since its release, and various nominations at the recent Oscars. Away from the glamour of the red carpet though this story of the sacrifice of animals, in addition to soldiers, during the harsh environment of war, is closer to home than one might at first imagine.
Soldiers and horses at Llandeilo, c. 1912
This letter which my colleague Stephen Benham came across whilst cataloguing the records of the firm of solicitors, Roberts & Evans of Aberystwyth (temp. ref. C10/1/2), relates the experience of Major Stanley Rimmer, of the Royal Field Artillery. He describes the scale of the operation to collect horses soon after the outbreak of the Great War. It provides an insight into the hardship faced by communities at the loss of their valuable assets, an essential means of transportation and labour for many which would undoubtedly impact on their livelihoods, for such poor return:
Woolton
Liverpool
11 Aug. 1914
. . . I have nearly 200 horses in my charge & all sorts of equipment & stores which have meant a worrying time since last Wednesday, & shall be glad when things are more settled & definite. It has been an extraordinary experience taking peoples horses off them compulsorily & frequently for much less than their value.
Yours truly
Stanley Rimmer
On the Oscars theme, a number of Welsh actors have been nominated for these coveted awards over the years, including Ray Milland, Mervyn Johns, Richard Burton, Rachel Roberts, Stanley Baker, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Sheen, Ioan Gruffudd, and Christian Bale. Hugh Griffith (1912–1980), was nominated on three occasions and won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sheik Ilderim in 'Ben-Hur' (1959). On Wednesday (21st March) the Welsh broadcaster, Hywel Gwynfryn, will be giving what promises to be a fascinating portrayal of this great Welsh actor, when he recounts how he came to write a biography of Hugh Griffith. The presentation, 'Yr Arab o Fôn – a fi' ('The Arab from Anglesey – and me'), will be held here in the Drwm; simultaneous translation is provided.
Siân Bowyer
