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The newspapers were obviously of great personal interest to Mr. Thomas who was a recipient of The Over-Seas League Empire Day 1940 certificate.

The certificates were awarded to individuals, often civilians, who contributed to the British war effort during the Second World War by supporting the Over-Seas Parcels Fund. This fund was part of a broader initiative to send comforts and morale-boosting items to servicemen of the British Commonwealth stationed abroad.

The certificates were often beautifully illustrated and bore the endorsement of His Majesty King George VI, symbolising official recognition of civilian contributions to wartime morale and welfare.

Wanting to preserve these editions of the South Wales Evening Post and knowing that local Neath Port Talbot Council representative, Cllr Tim Bowen, was an Armed Forces Veteran and part of the planning group for the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Armed Forces Festival, they donated them to the event.

Now, at this year’s Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Remembrance Concert, which is part of the festival, Cllr Tim Bowen who is the council’s Armed Forces Champion and fellow Armed Forces Champion Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, will read out excerpts of the newspaper’s coverage of the start and finish of the conflict.

The concert takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Great Hall in Swansea University’s Bay Campus. Hosted by Mal Pope, the concert features performances from local bands, choirs, and soloists, and concludes with a Remembrance Service and a minute's silence. Tickets are available online or from the Pontardawe Arts Centre. 

The newspaper excerpts include:

South Wales Evening Post

Saturday September 2nd, 1939

‘WAITING FOR HITLER’

“While the World today awaited Hitler’s reply to the demarches which Britain and France handed to Germany overnight – the last warning of the two democracies before they take their stand by Poland – Mr Chamberlain was forming Britain’s War Cabinet.

“Most probably four new ministers will be included, and it is almost certain that Mr Churchill is among them.

“Both Houses of Parliament were summoned for 3 o’clock this afternoon.

“Britain’s last warning to Germany was delivered to Von Ribbentrop by the British Ambassador in Berlin, Sir Nevile Henderson.

“The German Foreign Minister said he would refer the matter to Hitler, who is stated to be still at the Berlin Chancellery, but who is to leave almost immediately for an unknown destination.”

Britain and France declared war on Germany and its allies, the next day on 3 September 1939

South Wales Evening Post - Wednesday August 15th, 1945

‘END OF THE WAR’

“The World is at peace, and the guns at last have died away in silence. It is Victory Over Japan Day.

“’The last of our enemies is laid low’, were almost the first words used by Mr (Clement) Attlee in his dramatic midnight announcement to a tense and expectant people that Japan had surrendered unconditionally.

“He read the terms of the Japanese reply to the Allied demands and announced that today and Thursday would be public holidays.

“President Truman, USA and Prime Minister C.R.Attlee, Great Britain, helped formulate the terms which Japan has been forced to accept.

“Field Marshall Sir Harold Alexander, Allied Supreme Commander in the Mediterranean, today sent congratulations to the commanders of the British and U.S. Army, Navy and Air Forces in the Pacific on the Allied Victory.”