In 1916, the biggest naval battle in history was fought off the coast of Denmark, when the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet commanded by Admiral Sir John Jellicoe met the German Marine’s High Seas Fleet under the command of Vice-Admiral Scheer. The confrontation lasted over 36 hours, and the loss of ships and lives was staggering in relation to the advantages gained. Great Britain was the nominal victor, because the German Navy fleet never left harbour again in the First World War, depending instead on developing its Submarine tactics.
Why do I remind you of this fracas dear reader? Well it’s because many of the British ships damaged by German shells limped into Milford Haven to be refurbished in the dockyard - and thus I finally get to the point of this preamble - Milford Haven Seniors came to Tenby Golf Club on Tuesday, August 9, to play Tenby Seniors in the summer series - Phew!
It was Tenby Seniors’ 19th match of the season, and the two teams of seven pairs enjoyed delightful weather and a course in really great condition (don’t mention the rough!). The photograph, taken just before the start of the match, shows Milford Haven captain for the day, Phil Davies, standing in for a holidaying Tony Davies, and his partner Mike Durwood. Tenby Seniors captain - looking somewhat less than thrilled and overjoyed - Peter Williams, was partnered by amiable Paul Bradley, doubtless playing with the golf balls he won on the Pontardawe Away Day!
Post play, the Milford lads were fed, watered and entertained by the home team, and as usual, thoughts soon turned to the raffle and the result.
The raffle was something of a whitewash, five prizes on offer - and the first four went to Tenby players. Just as suspicions regarding the presence of Milford names in the hat were being mooted, at last, one solitary prize slid their way.
The outcome of the tournament was somewhat similar - a fine result for Tenby, with only one pair not managing a victory. That pair of losers will remain forever nameless, although one of them is the vice-captain and the other drones on about naval history!
A good day, a great result - and by the time you read this, just like the British ships, we will have travelled to Milford Haven for the return match.
M.F.