MYSTERY AT PORT EYNON

 

Indian Mutiny, 1857-58
1912 Map - showing the centres of the rebellion

The Indian Mutiny, 1857-58.  A conflict that lasted over a year. It was an unsuccessful uprising beginning by the a mutiny at Meerut of sepoys of the East India Company, in resentment to harsh land taxes, also scepticism to the improvements brought about by the British rule. 

The rebellion erupted into other mutinies around Northern and Central India.  The rebellion posed a considerably threat to the British power in the region. 

During the Mutiny there were a series of conflict, including, Siege of Delhi, 1857; Siege of Cawnpore, 1857; Siege of Lucknow, 1857 and Siege of Arrah, 1857.  These are well known conflicts, also there was the Central Indian Campaign, 1858.

The result of the Indian Mutiny, at conclusion, was a British victory, with the creation of the British Raj, from the former East Indian Company. Lands were either returned back to their former owners, or confiscated by the British Crown.

The Cambria Daily Leader
7th December 1914

December 1914, Port Eynon, Gower.  A lifetime since the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny.  1914, the first year of the conflict which we all know as the First World War has

On that winters day, 1914,  the last veteran of the Indian Mutiny was buried at St. Cattwg's, Port Eynon. He belonged to the Swansea United Service Brigade.  

St. Cattwg's Church, Port Eynon, Gower

St. Cattwg's church, Grade II Listed,  was first built during the 12th century, by the Norman font and the Norman north window in the nave. During the period of 1328-47, the bishop Henry de Gower, established a palace within the vicinity.  The original church, just included the nave, a chancel and tower having been added a little later. 

The south wall was added during the 14th - 15th centuries.  Restorations were carried out at the expense of C.R.M. Talbot, during 1876.  Further restorations were carried out during 1905 at the expense of Miss Emily Talbot.  £200 were paid towards restorations during the 1920s.

Port Eynon Lifeboat crew Memorial
St. Cattwg's Church, Port Eynon, Gower

Port Eynon Lifeboat crew Memorial
Inscription

It is in the churchyard, that there is a memorial commemorating to the three crew members of the Port Eynon lifeboat who lost their lives 1st January 1916.

Steamer Dunvegan, having losing power, near Oxwich via a westerly gale.  The ship's captain, later, requested a tug to tow them into the port of Swansea, and not a lifeboat.

Janet lifeboat

The lifeboat in question was the Janet, with a crew of 13, had been travelling towards the shelter of Mumbles, when it was capsized by a large wave.  After the boat had righted itself, two of the crew were missing. The boat capsized again, 66 year old William Gibbs, coxswain was missing. 

The Janet, finally reached Mumbles, 23 hours after it was lunched, with the remainder of the 10 crew.  The crew that were missing were:

William Gibbs

William Gibbs, 66, Coxswain.  His body was never recovered

William Eynon, 46, Second Coxswain.  His body was washed ashore at Porthcawl later and he was buried at St. Cattwg's

George Harry, 46, Lifeboatman.  His body was washed ashore four later at Jersey Marine, where he was buried

William Eynon
St. Cattwg's church, Port Eynon, Gower

George Harry
Jersey Marine