National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
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Americans
John' and 'Johnny', two American GIs billeted in with the Iles family in Heathwood Road, Cardiff, enjoy a bit of fun with their new friends and neighbours.
From the collection of:
Overview
From 1942 onwards, huge numbers of American soldiers arrived in Wales, prior to the D-Day Landings in France. A significant number came from Pennsylvania, an area rich with slate and coal which had attracted Welsh emigrants over the centuries. The Iles family, who lived in Heathwood Road, Cardiff, had room for two GIs- 'John' and 'Johnny' - and their neighbour had one, and here the three young men are seen enjoying some precious leisure time with their new friends.
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