b. 28/08/1931 Swansea, Wales. d. 14/05/1950 Caswell Bay, Gower, South Wales.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 14/05/1950 Caswell Bay, Gower, South Wales.
John J Ahier AM
John Ahier was born in Swansea on 28th August 1931, and was educated at Plasmarl School, Swansea. He also attended St Paul’s Church, Landore, Swansea, and was a member of the St Paul’s Scout Troop. After leaving school he became a laboratory assistant in the Biology Department of the University of Swansea. He then became an assistant steward with the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company.
AM CITATION:
On the afternoon of Sunday 14th May, three girls were bathing near the rocks on the west side of Caswell Bay, “Gower, when two of them were swept out to sea. ” John Joseph Ahier, aged 18, who was swimming nearby, heard cries of distress from the two girls and immediately went to their assistance. After trying to assist one girl he swam to the other, who had been carried further out to sea. All three were then carried away towards the rocks in the direction of Pwlldu. One of the girls was later rescued by another man, but neither John Ahier nor the second girl were saved. Although he was only a moderately good swimmer and must have been aware of the risk he ran in the treacherous current and so near the rocks, John Ahier did not hesitate to go to the girls’ assistance, and gave his life in an unavailing attempt to rescue them.
BURIAL LOCATION: MORRISTON CEMETERY, SWANSEA, WALES.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: HELD BY FAMILY.
Acknowledgement:
Allan Stanistreet – Image of John Ahier AM.