A serving Gwent police officer salvaged a World War I Memorial commemorating seven men from Monmouthshire from Abergavenny’s former police station.

Jon Williams, an officer for 22 years, told the Chronicle he managed to save the plaque right before Abergavenny’s officers moved from their old station on Tudor Street.

Seven names featured on the memorial served as officers in the Monmouthshire Constabulary, a protected profession that was exempt from conscription.

“Any police officer who enlisted would have their warrant removed and so risked returning home with no job if they were to survive the conflict, which would have been a double sacrifice on their part,” said Jon.

One name, William O’Brien, is also the author of a collection of letters currently available within Gwent Archives. Some of this correspondence details his love interest, Rose, who, following Mr O’Brien’s death, went on to marry his best friend some years after the war.

The memorial is both important and unusual as it so specific to a particular group, he said.

As of now, there are no plans for anywhere to display the plaque so that members of the men’s family and the public can visit and pay their respects.

It is hoped that a place will be found for the plaque to be displayed to honour the men.

Mr Williams said he would like to hear from anyone with further information on the memorial, especially those who may have familial links to the names inscribed.

They can contact [email protected]

Abergavenny Police Station is now vacant, ahead of redevelopment.