Llanelli Railway Riots March
In 1911 a National Railway Strike was called. This strike had been called as the Railway workers themselves were being paid around 30% lessd than the average wage.
The Railway workers were joined by thousands of other workers and between them they blocked the London to Fisguard line at Llanelli.
At this stage the protest had been effective but peaceful, even good humoured.
A local magistrate who had large financial stakes in the Railway called in the military and with the backing of the Government decided to impose draconian measures.
During the ensuing fracas when some young men started throwing stones at the soldiers, these shot two innocent bystanders and then retreated.
This was Llanelli's Bloody Saturday!
The assembled crowds then took revenge against the Railway Company and burnt the rolling stock but an explosive wagon caught fire and the resultant blast killed more people.
At the inquest of the shot men the Army was exonerated blaming the riot on the local population.
Lanelli has been crying out for justice ever since and beleives that an apology should be made to the families of these men clearing them of any wrongdoing.
On August 20th 2011 Llanelli remembered them.......
The Railway workers were joined by thousands of other workers and between them they blocked the London to Fisguard line at Llanelli.
At this stage the protest had been effective but peaceful, even good humoured.
A local magistrate who had large financial stakes in the Railway called in the military and with the backing of the Government decided to impose draconian measures.
During the ensuing fracas when some young men started throwing stones at the soldiers, these shot two innocent bystanders and then retreated.
This was Llanelli's Bloody Saturday!
The assembled crowds then took revenge against the Railway Company and burnt the rolling stock but an explosive wagon caught fire and the resultant blast killed more people.
At the inquest of the shot men the Army was exonerated blaming the riot on the local population.
Lanelli has been crying out for justice ever since and beleives that an apology should be made to the families of these men clearing them of any wrongdoing.
On August 20th 2011 Llanelli remembered them.......
