After Local Hero?

Call To Name Stadium After Local Hero

South Wales Evening Post – January 17 2004

A Call was made today to honour a Swansea war hero by naming the soon-to-be-built stadium at Morfa after him. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Edward Harris believes that rather than naming the stadium White Rock, as suggested by the city council, it should commemorate the bravery of Victoria Cross winner George Prowse. Chief Petty Officer Prowse, one of only two VC recipients from Swansea, lived just a stone’s throw away from where the stadium will be built, at 60 Pentretreharne Road, Landore. A worker at Grovesend Colliery and Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon, he enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves in Swansea in February 1915. He first went to the Dardenais and then joined the Royal Naval Division which fought in the trenches on the Western Front. Mr Prowse distinguished himself in battle several times and was twice wounded. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for an action on August 21, 1918, at Logeast Wood. His citation said that he led his men with great gallantry against a machine gun that was holding up the advance of the flank of the company, and in spite of difficulties in heavy mist he captured it, disposing of the crew. Mr Prowse later held a position against repeated counter-attacks which were supported by an intense bombardment for 24 hours. His citation read: "His courage, leadership and cheerful disposition had an invaluable effect on his men.” The London Gazette recorded: "Throughout the whole operation, his magnificent example and leadership were an inspiration to all and his courage was superb." Tragically, George Prowse was killed on September 27, 1918, and his body was never recovered. Mr Harris said: "George Prowse must be one of Swansea’s bravest and most decorated men and, from his citation, was a magnificent example of courage, leadership and cheerful disposition and yet his letters home show humility – what better attributes for a sportsman. "He is not recognised in Swansea and is not commemorated anywhere in Swansea, despite his most amazing Service career.”

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