HISTORIANS from Cardiff University visited Big Pit in Blaenavon to gather information and artifacts for a unique World War One project.

Gethin Matthews and his team at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, are conducting the Welsh Voices of the Great War Online project which seeks to gather, catalogue and make public artifacts and memorabilia to illustrate how the war impacted Wales and Welsh people.

One of those who attended was Sylvan Jenkins, of Llanyrafon, who brought a rare medal and photographs relating to his late uncle David George Rees.

Mr Jenkins explained Mr Rees was involved in action during the raid on Ostend in May 1918, then aged 20, following the sinking of HMS Vindictive.

Mr Rees was one of the seamen on a motor launch being used to rescue sailors from HMS Vindictive during the wartime raid.

The motor launch was sunk by the Germans during the action and the boat's seamen were rescued. The rescue craft was Lord Tredegar's yacht and the pictures show David George Rees and fellow seamen aboard.

Mr Rees' action at Ostend resulted in him being awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.

Mr Matthews said the roadshow uncovered some interesting finds including an account written by Mr Rees explaining his motivation to fight for his country.

"For him looking back Mr Rees was very proud of his achievement," he said.

"Letters interest me the most, especially a series of letters from the same person during that period, as you can see their attitude change."

The team will be processing all the material and eventually all the artifacts will be available to be viewed online.

The roadshows have come to an end now but the team is urging anyone who has items related to the WWI to contribute their material via the website www.welshvoices.com.

Mr Matthews added: "Even small scraps of information are relevant, when added together it all helps with the bigger picture."