MPs pay tribute to Czech Village, Lidice - 11th Apr, 2007

Siân James MP and Hywel Francis MP recently visited the Czech village of Lidice.

In a joint statement Mrs Siân James and Dr Francis said:

‘We were on a Welsh Affairs Committee visit to the Czech Republic and we felt it important to visit the Lidice Memorial Garden. We were very moved by the efforts made by the Czech people with their new Museum, to remind the world of the Nazis atrocity of murdering the men, women and children of Lidice and the total destruction of the village.

Our own families in Cwmgiedd played their part in making the film ‘The Silent Village’ which told the story of Lidice. We were delighted that the film is shown to visitors in the new Museum.’

The Nazis destroyed the village in 1942 as a reprisal following the Partisans assassination of Nazi leader Heydrich.

More Information:

1. Dr Hywel Francis’ father, the late Dai Francis, appeared in the film ‘The Silent Village’ which was made in 1943.
2. Siân James’ late mother, Mattie Griffiths, had kept the commemorative programme of the first showing of the film. Siân presented this unique document to the Lidice Museum