Honouring the Fallen

A new research model is revealing the hidden stories behind the names on our war memorials. Graham T. Emmanuel is behind the project.

The war memorials of Pembrey and Burry Port have been given new life through a research project that redefines how we connect with local history.

The results, far from being just a list of names, have become a living tribute, a "quiet revolution" in memorial documentation.

What began as a personal project to honour the fallen of Pembrey and Burry Port has set a new benchmark for memorial research across the nation. While many dedicated individuals and organisations work to document our shared history, this methodology is a unique and powerful model.

The research combines traditional archival work with modern technology, a proactive search for the forgotten and a deep, personal commitment to restoring individual stories. While elements of this work can be found elsewhere, this approach with such remarkable depth and sensitivity.

A Journey Beyond the Stone

The project began with the names etched in memorial stone and on church memorial plates, but evolved into a quest to uncover the individual stories behind them. The initial groundwork was laid by the West Wales Memorials Project, which provided a starting point. From there, the research expanded to identify individuals who weren't listed on the main memorials, and those whose only commemoration was on a private headstone, giving a voice to those who had been overlooked.

The Integration of AI and Digital Tools

A key element in the success of this project has been the strategic use of artificial intelligence. By cross-referencing dates and places of death, AI helped identify the specific military actions in which each individual was involved. This enabled a level of detail and historical context that was previously difficult to achieve, connecting names to the dramatic circumstances of their sacrifice.

The research was then uploaded to Find A Grave. Each memorial was carefully reviewed and updated with newly uncovered information. This has allowed the traditional memorials to come alive with digital memorials.

It has not only enriched the historical record but also made the information accessible to a global community of family historians and researchers. A further layer of geographical context was added using Google My Maps. The exact locations of each grave and memorial were documented, creating a visual and interactive map.

https://www.peoplescollection.wales/discover/owner/Graham%20T%20Emmanuel