Age Cymru Dyfed in partnership with Go Sport Indoor Shooting Range Carmarthen, held a truly remarkable shooting competition featuring Second World War Veterans from Freshwater East, Saundersfoot, Ammanford, Aberavon and Llanelli. 

‘Our Greatest Generation’ with an average age of 100 years, showed sharp-shooting skills which they first acquired and put to use over 80 years ago during the height of the Second World War.

WW2 veterans in action at the shooting range
WW2 veterans in action at the shooting range (Pic supplied)

This unheralded event at Carmarthen was held on Thursday, July 25 and was won by Far East Army Veteran from Saundersfoot, Duncan Hilling a former Bren Gun Carrier Driver with an almost unbelievably fine score of 94 out of 100.

“When I trained in Norwich in 1944 in Norwich, I shot at 100-, 200- and 300-yards scoring 299/300. I must be losing my touch after dropping six points today,” he said.

Saundersfoot’s Duncan Hilling achieved an incredible score of 94 out of 100.
Saundersfoot’s Duncan Hilling achieved an incredible score of 94 out of 100. (Pic supplied)

Second was D-Day Veteran Tony Bird (RN), followed by Tank driver Idwal Davies, RN ‘DEMS’ gunner from the Atlantic Convoys, Neville Bowen, and Archie Thomas who is the last surviving RN Beach Commando from World War II and a Veteran of the invasion of Sicily in 1943. All the Second World War Veterans scored an astonishing 70 and above.

Idwal Davies said: “I was delighted to be involved in something different and loved the shooting, the company and thoroughly enjoyed myself”.

Organiser Owen Dobson who is a Veterans Welfare Officer for Age Cymru Dyfed said:

“The event itself was the idea of Royal Signals Veteran Ken Hall. The WW2 Veterans were each presented with a Salver to mark the occasion which were individually engraved and kindly donated by “Chris the Cobbler” and Jane, Ammanford. The event was also attended by Veterans from across West Wales and congratulations goes to Royal Green Jacket Veteran Wayne Hellyar on scoring best shot of the day.

“The presence of uniformed Soldiers from 14 Signals Regiment, Brawdy was greatly enjoyed and they were each a credit to the Service. Thanks also go to staff at Go Sport Geraint, Steve and Lily May, Kevin Stanley of the VC Gallery and Beth Lowden of Blind Veterans UK who also attended in support of the event.”

The event was also attended by Veterans from across West Wales and the presence of uniformed Soldiers from 14 Signals Regiment, Brawdy was greatly enjoyed.
The event was also attended by Veterans from across West Wales and the presence of uniformed Soldiers from 14 Signals Regiment, Brawdy was greatly enjoyed. (Pic supplied)

Neville Bowen said: “I had a brilliant day shooting, and I enjoyed being with the other Veterans, fuelled by the Welsh cakes, a great day.”