Medals, photos, and other items illustrate stories about the fascinating lives of local couple Gwynne Roderick and his wife, Doreen.

“We’re very grateful to their son John for donating these items to the Brecknock Museum collection in y Gaer and for letting us share their stories,” said Collections Assistant, Jacquie Morgan.

Arthur Edward Gwynne Roderick came to national attention in 1942. A member of the Royal Air Force, his gallantry in saving the life of a pilot was recognised by the award of a British Empire Medal (Military).

Gwynne’s BEM was announced in the London Gazette on July 24 1942 and widely reported. Posted to Scotland, he was involved in organising reconnaissance and air-sea rescue over the Atlantic. An Oxford bomber attempting to take off collided with another aircraft. 

As the South Wales Daily Post reported, it: “immediately caught fire [and] was extensively damaged … the pilot was unable to move as he was rendered unconscious by the crash … the petrol tanks ofboth aircraft ignited immediately [and] enveloped the whole aircraft. Roderick [and two other airmen] climbed onto the wing of the aircraft and with their bare hands broke open the window. Their efforts to rescue the pilot were greatly handicapped as he was strapped in the machine … Nevertheless, these airmen succeeded in extricating him and undoubtedly saved his life by their prompt and gallant action."

All three rescuers received the BEM. Gwynne was presented with his by George VI at Buckingham Palace, with Doreen and their eldest son, Peter in attendance. 

This was Gwynne’s second stint in the RAF. He initially joined up as a 15-year-old in 1917, as a member of the Royal Flying Corps before the RAF was formed in 1918. He trained as a rigger, or aircraft technician, before joining the reserve in 1924 and becoming an AA Patrolman in Pembrokeshire. He transferred to Brecon in the mid 1930s, joining Brecon Patrolmen Percy Wilding and Billy Coombes. 

In 1936 Gwynne, originally from Llandovery, married Doreen Larcombe of Newmarch Street in Llanfaes, and they set up home at 59 Newmarch Street. As a child, Doreen won prizes at St David’s Sunday School and the County School for Girls, culminating in receiving a medal in 1926 for perfect attendance and punctuality. She then taught at Llanfihangel Nant Bran. Doreen had her own claim to fame - John tells us: “She rode a motorbike from Brecon to work and was one of the first women in the county, if not in Wales, to ride a motorbike”. 

This led to the Brecon County Times on April 3 1930 reporting: “Lady motor-cyclist’s remarkable escape.” Riding on the Bulwark one evening, Doreen, who was 19, lost control and crashed into the window of Messrs Lewis and Son, fish merchants. Part of the front window was shattered and the side window badly cracked. Luckily, Doreen suffered only “a shaking and some minor cuts”. Jacquie added: “We’re lucky to have a photo of Doreen as a young lady riding her motorbike, with its early Brecknock ‘EU’ registration plate.”

After his Second World War service, Gwynne resumed work as an AA Patrolman, riding his distinctive yellow motorcycle and carrying his tools in his matching sidecar. Unfortunately, he died suddenly at the age of only 50 in 1952. 

After Gwynne’s death, Doreen returned to teaching. She spent many years at Mount Street School, becoming Deputy Head and briefly Acting Head before her retirement in 1976. She died on January 2 2000.

“The lives of Gwynne and Doreen are illustrated by the items kindly donated by their family, from which we can learn so much about local and wider history. Photos of Gwynne throughout his career and wartime service, his medals and awards, the invitation to his BEM presentation, their wedding photo taken by the famous Jack Clark, plus photos of Doreen meeting Prince Charles on one of his visits to Brecon: the collection of items is a wonderful source of information. We’re privileged to have these items in our safekeeping for future generations.”

If you remember Gwynne or Doreen, or have any related information that you’d be happy to share with us, Jacquie would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us on 01874 624121 or at: [email protected] (FAO Jacquie Morgan)