Jeff Edwards Honoured with OBE by King Charles
Aberfan disaster survivor Jeff Edwards described receiving his OBE from King Charles as "a great honour and a privilege." Edwards was eight years old when a coal waste tip collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes in Merthyr Tydfil nearly six decades ago.
On Friday 21 October 1966, the disaster claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults in the close-knit community. Edwards was among 240 pupils attending the school at the time.
Edwards received the OBE for his contributions to fellow disaster survivors, charitable work, and community service in Aberfan during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. He currently serves as the Deputy Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan.
He was the last child rescued alive from the school wreckage. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Edwards called the honour "absolutely wonderful," noting his previous encounters with King Charles when he was Prince of Wales, including hosting him during his last visit to Aberfan.
"He said 'nice to see you again Mr Edwards', because I've met him several times before, and he enquired as to how the wives' group were doing because he has got a favourite spot for them," Edwards said.
Edwards also recalled meeting the Queen on multiple occasions, who affectionately referred to him as "the boy with the white hair."
"I said to the King, little did I know an eight-year-old buried in the disaster in Aberfan would be standing before the King and receiving this medal, it's totally unreal really," he added.
Memories of the Disaster
Reflecting on the events of 21 October 1966, Edwards recounted:
"I remember a thunder sound before the disaster happened and the teacher reassuring us that it was only thunder and the next thing waking up with a dead girl on my shoulder."
He described seeing light above him and hearing screams and shouts around him as he lay trapped.
Edwards was rescued by fireman Roy Thomas, whom he later met again when serving as Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil. Edwards expressed gratitude for the opportunity to personally thank Thomas for saving his life.
"I was glad to have been able to personally thank him 'for saving my life all those years ago'."
Advocacy and Support for Survivors
Edwards emphasized the importance of his experience in shaping support services for disaster survivors.
"I think it's important really that survivors of any disaster or any tragedy have the proper support for them to get through the trauma of being involved in such an accident."
He has been involved with the Hillsborough Charter, which supports bereaved individuals and survivors of tragedies.
This initiative includes collaboration with people affected by Hillsborough, the Manchester bombing, and Grenfell Tower fire to develop a charter now adopted by public services in Wales.
The Hillsborough Charter aims to address past failures where victims were neglected or blamed instead of supported. It requires organizations such as the police to be truthful and avoid "defending the indefensible."
Signatories commit to openness, honesty, and transparency with victims, especially during public inquiries.
