Elan Valley During World War I and II
Explore the wartime history of the Elan Valley, from artillery training before the First World War to Home Guard shelters, pillboxes, impact zones and surviving remains from both world wars.
Overview
In September 1903 the Royal Artillery used the hills above Cwmdauddwr for training. Six heavy guns were pulled to the top of Penrhiwen by horses. During the two weeks of heavy ordnance firing, the farmhouses of Hirnant, Glanhirin and Troedrhiwdrain were evacuated.
In 1908 firing with six-inch howitzers began, using shells weighing 280lb. On 5th August 1908 three batteries were in operation simultaneously, firing with large nine-inch howitzer guns. Around 120 rounds were fired at distances ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 yards.
In 1910 long-range gun fire practice with star shells took place at night using 6-inch and 9.45-inch howitzers. Day firing at a range of 9 miles also took place. Craters, mounds and shrapnel from the shells can still be found on Esgair Rhiwlan, Esgair Cywion and Esgair Crawnllwyn.
After the declaration of war on 4th August 1914, troops and artillery were withdrawn from the Elan Valley and sent to France.
Birmingham Water Guard Special Constables
During World War I, in 1917 it was decided that the Water Supply Aqueduct needed protection over its 75-mile length. The Elan Valley also required guarding. Two West Midland officers and 25 Special Constables were on duty in the Elan Valley and maintained watch over the Foel Tower. The Birmingham Water Guard Medal was instituted on 5th December 1918 and 870 Special Constables received the award. Up to 700 volunteers attended Birmingham Town Hall on 10th January 1919 to receive their medals. Information from the Birmingham Mail. Photos courtesy of Dennis Moore.
Craig Cnwch Shelter
Remains of a World War II lookout post on Craig Cnwch, Elan Valley, 3m x 2m.
Map Ref: SN92908 64176
Pillbox 1
Pillbox 1 overlooking the Foel Tower.
Map Ref: SN
Pillbox 2
Pillbox 2 overlooking the Foel Tower.
Map Ref: SN
Pillbox 3
Pillbox 3 overlooking Garreg Ddu Dam and the Foel Tower.
Map Ref: SN
Pillbox 4
Pillbox 4 stood where the Nantgwyllt Church car park is now. It was destroyed to make way for the car park. Photo taken in 1987, courtesy of Bryan Lawrence.
Map Ref: SN909 639
Gamriw Cairn IV
A large cairn disturbed by a Home Guard shelter built into the centre. Photo taken by Vic Pardoe.
Map Ref: SN9440 6188
Cefn Llanfadog Shelter
Remains of a World War II lookout post on Cefn Llanfadog.
Map Ref: SN92807 65184
The Mother
The 9-inch howitzer known as “The Mother”. One of the guns tested in the Elan Valley, later used in World War I, and now on display at the Imperial War Museum, London.
Firing Range
Three square areas which may once have been used as testing sites for the large guns just before and during World War I. This area is just off the Old Aber Mountain Road.
Firing Range
Another possible gun testing area just off the Old Aber Mountain Road, on the opposite side of the road from the areas above.
Firing Range Postcards
Old postcards of training on the Old Aber Mountain Road.
Spotters
Spotters just off the Old Aber Mountain Road.
Esgair Rhiwlan Shell
Remains of one of the shells fired from one of the 6-inch guns. Found on Esgair Rhiwlan and now at Rhayader Museum.
Map Ref: SN
Esgair Rhiwlan Artillery Range Impact Zone
Craters and mounds from testing of the guns used during training before and during World War I. The shells were fired from the top of the old mountain road on Penrhiw-Wen Hill.
Map Ref: SN87917 71367
Esgair Cywion Artillery Range Impact Zone
Craters and mounds from testing of the guns used during training before and during World War I. The shells were fired from the top of the old mountain road on Penrhiw-Wen Hill.
Map Ref: SN88098 70512
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