Logbook, day 3 – Death of Elizabeth II: the bruised city of Aberfan mourns its queen

In the middle of the cemetery with dozens of black and gray tombs, two rows of white tombs surmounted by arches catch the eye. These graves are those of the 116 children and 28 adults who perished in the Aberfan, Wales disaster in 1966. A coal and mine waste heap collapsed and swept away the school and houses below.

But since the death of the queen, most of the flowers have been placed in front of a tree planted by the queen, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the disaster. “Thank you for your support for the families of Aberfan”, can we read hanging on a bouquet, a way for the inhabitants to pay tribute to the woman who has supported them so much in this ordeal.

Memories that come to the surface

James, a resident of the city from a young age, vividly remembers his arrival after the disaster, almost 60 years ago. “The slag heap completely engulfed the school and the two streets down there, he says, his eyes still haunted by memories. “The queen came to see us a week later. She was really very moved.”

© Nina Droff/Europe 1

Bouquet of flowers in hand, Liza has only a very vague memory of the Queen’s visit, but she cherishes it with great emotion. “I just remember seeing her drive by. I was very little. I just thought she was very beautiful. But then over the years, I started to love and respect her. .”

Eternal Gratitude

At the time, the queen had been criticized for not having come earlier, for having waited, but that no longer matters to the inhabitants, like Chris. “She said she still regretted not coming sooner. But, she came, and came back. That’s what matters.” Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II returned many times to salute the memory of the martyrs of Aberfan, as evidenced by the many commemorative plaques in her name, scattered everywhere between the dilapidated houses of the village. She had even befriended some bereaved mothers.

“She came to lay flowers in the cemetery, in the Garden of Remembrance. She planted a tree here, and the last time she opened the communal center there. Everyone is really very sad,” sighs James, pointing to the centre, inaugurated by the Queen in 2010.

© Nina Droff/Europe 1

Liza still keeps smiling, preferring to remember the best of the sovereign. “We will always remember her with enormous gratitude for what she did for us.” Now they hope that King Charles will also come to pray at Aberfan Cemetery.