WWI REMEMBERED ‘Waddling monsters’ thrill crowds after duty at the Front

ON JUNE 8, 1918, the residents of Aberdare gave a hearty welcome to “Julian the Tank” following a “rough time” fighting the enemy during the Great War. Having been first used in the Somme, in 1916, and considered a key element in Britain’s success in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, these machines of war caught the public’s imagination.

They are recognised as helping to “turn the tide” on the Western Front in favour of the Western Allies and helped to end World War I in a matter of weeks.

As a result of their popularity among those back home, a number of tanks toured towns and cities across Britain in a bid to raise funds for the war effort, with hundreds and thousands of pounds donated at events to welcome the machines.

The Aberdare Leader reported: “Whether he be appealing for funds or fighting with the boys at the front, ‘Julian the Tank’ is not likely to forget the people of the Aberdare district.

“During his two days’ campaign in the town he made battalions of friends, who loved to look at the traces in his rugged appearance of the rough time which he had had in hunting down the enemy.

“Not only, however, did he win their admiration for his prowess on the battlefield, but he also won their pockets to the extent of £270,000.”

It added: “A varied programme has rendered from the Tank during the two days.

“In addition to speeches by Mr CB Stanton MP, the High Constable and others, Miss Hilda Davies was especially popular with her harp solos, and Miss Jones of Cwmaman delighted the vast audiences with her penillion singing.

“Master Manley (champion cornet soloist) generously gave a number of selections at intervals, and Mr Arthur Norton, manager of the Aberaman Grand Theatre, provided a party of artistes.

“Messrs W Gwynne and W Lewis (Eryr Llwyd), rendered vocal items.

“Altogether a versatile display of talent.

“It was about 9.30 on Saturday night when ‘Julian’ took his leave for the Taff Vale Station en route for Merthyr.

“His gallant custodian, Captain Davies, must have informed him that the people of Aberdare had done their duty well; for there was the ring of brimful satisfaction even about the fashion in which he pulled himself together before making a start.

“His departure was witnessed by a throng computed at anything between 25,000 and 30,000 people.

“In his final address in Victoria Square the High-Constable thanked the inhabitants for the decorations which they had displayed.

“He had been assured that ‘Julian’ had not been greeted with a greater show of flags and bunting during his campaign.”

Julian was later welcomed by the adoring crowds at Newport on June 17, 1918, as the tank was unloaded at Newport docks.

An account by the Gwent Western Front Association’s Journey’s End project read: “Cheering crowds lined the flag and bunting bedecked streets as a procession led it to the town centre, where a large notice had been erected with a message of support from Lloyd George.

“The procession was led by the band and 60 members of the Monmouthshire Volunteer Regiment.

“A special welcome was reserved for a contingent of about 60 wounded soldiers and a group of discharged soldiers.

“They were followed by the Fire Brigade, motor ambulances, nurses, members of the Women’s Land Army, munitions workers, Girl Guides, St John Ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts.

“Julian remained in Queen’s Square for a week and a tank office was set up to receive payments for War Savings Certificates.

“With the target for the week set at one million pounds, a special number – Newport 1000000 – was allocated for telephone pledges.

“Thousands of children marched into town to visit Julian and have their certificates stamped with a special tank stamp.

“This ambitious target was not quite met, with the final total for the week reaching £855,141.”

The town of Bargoed also gave a “hearty welcome” to another tank called “Egbert”, with donations to the war effort reaching £141,587.

On July 12, 1918, The Monmouth Guardian and Rhymney and Bargoed and Caerphilly Observer reported: “When the War Savings Tank ‘Egbert’ left Bargoed on Saturday and the temporary post office closed, the totals for the two days’ visit realised £141,587, but this figure by no means indicates the aggregate total, as many late subscribers added to the figures on Monday and the following day, with the result that it may be safely computed that over one sixth of a million pounds was accomplished.

“This represents by far the largest total in the Rhymney Valley.

“The quota allocated for the Bargoed district was £80,000 and although it was somewhat disappointing that this was not doubled at the closing hour, there is still much to be thankful for that in a hot bed of rabid Socialism such a substantial sum could be realised.

“If the figures were analysed, it will be seen that Bargoed has done well.

“With the exception of the Powell Duffryn Company who sent the comparatively small sum of £5,000, the total was made up mainly by local people, coupled with the timely support of the various Banks as also the chief Assurance Companies.”

The report added: “Owing to the long span of the railway bridge at Bargoed at which station it arrived from