Soldiers deployed during the National Rail Strike

The National Rail Strike of 1911 had been brewing for some weeks before being made official on the 18th August. It followed on from long standing disputes between the railway companies and their workers. In order to ensure that the running of the railways were not impeded, the then Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, ordered police and troops to be deployed around the country. Winston Churchill suspended the regulation that had previously required that troops were only sent at the request of a local authority.

The railway workers were joined in their protest by the dock workers at the harbour. On the 19th August, in order to ensure the boat trains were not delayed, 50 soldiers arriving from Ireland on furlough, were commanded to clear the line of strikers who were delaying the departure of the train. Armed with rifles provided by the local Territorial Army commander at Fishguard, they charged the striking men, many of whom were knocked over. A further 16 soldiers with bayonets fixed were stationed near Goodwick bridge to ensure the train could leave.

During the period of the strike, the soldiers sent to the area were camped just outside Goodwick and the first image is believed to show their base. The second image would appear to be a period of off duty with many soldiers enjoying themselves on Goodwick Sands. A number of them can be seen taking to the water wearing nothing more than their birthday suits!!!