Tributes paid to former Welshpool mayor and serviceman

John Herbert Gwilt died on Monday at the age of 95, after a life of public service, which saw him fight for his country and provide decades of civic service to his home town of Welshpool

Mr Gwilt was born in New Street in the town in 1992, and served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers Home Guard, being deployed in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with the 23rd Field Training Regiment and the 56th Heavy Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.

He was a part of beach landings at Algiers, Salerno and Marseille and was wounded at Cassino, Italy, while fighting in the Second World War.

In the years after his military career he dedicated his time to civic service, and this week people have been paying tributes to the war hero, described by Welshpool county councillor Phil Pritchard as "a gentleman".

He said: "What a wonderful, wonderful man.

"He has been an example to all in this town all of his life, from his time in the army to his public service.

"He was a lovely, lovely man who never wanted any credit for anything he did, he really was a great.

"A lot of people will remember him for a long, long time in Welshpool."

After the Second World War, Mr Gwilt worked on the railways and for the ambulance service.

He was a member of the former Welshpool Borough Council, and also served on the Montgomeryshire District Council, Welshpool Town Council, and a number of other bodies.

Welshpool town and county councillor Graham Breeze described Mr Gwilt as one of the town's "outstanding sons".

He said: "Welshpool has lost an outstanding personality. John Gwilt dedicated his life to serving others and the people of Welshpool in particular.

“Few of us living today can appreciate the sacrifices made by Mr Gwilt and his regimental colleagues during the Second World War – sacrifices that provided us with the lives we enjoy today.

“He always made time to talk to everyone, despite his failing health, and was one of the town’s most outstanding sons. He will be sadly missed and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

In 2001, he became the mayor of the town, and in his later years cared for his wife Gwyneth, as well as volunteering with the league of friends at Welshpool Hospital.

He also became president of the Royal British Legion, of which he was a staunch supporter.

He leaves two daughters, Kay and Sheila, and one son, Michael, as well as six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.