A UNIQUE item of aviation ‘trench art’ has been donated to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. It is a wooden money box with an illustration of a Sunderland flying boat on the top.

Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre interprets the maritime, aviation and military heritage of the town, as well as the social and community heritage of Pembroke Dock, through its displays.

The Heritage Centre had an opening day at the end of March - the start of its 2026 season - which also saw the launch of a new gift shop.

One of the visitors to the opening day was former RAF V-bomber pilot John Rattenbury, of Ambleston. He brought with him the money box its Sunderland flying boat illustration.

John, who flew Handley Page Victor bombers, received the box from David Mole, a colleague in the No10 Squadron Association which flew Victors in the ‘Cold War’ era.

In the photograph, John Rattenbury shows the Sunderland money box to Heritage Centre Volunteers wearing costumes from Victorian times to Star Wars! Pictured from left to right are Paul Emens, Marilyn Mitchell, John Rattenbury, Louise Facer and Peter Mitchell.

“We don’t know anything of the origins of the money box,” said John, “but it just had to come to Pembroke Dock. While 10 Squadron RAF never operated flying boats, the Royal Australian Air Force’s 10 Squadron flew Sunderlands from Pembroke Dock.

Pembroke Dock was Wales’ only Royal Dockyard, a major garrison town and during World War II was home to the largest flying boat station in the world.

On a day when the museum was launching its range of Sunderland-themed t-shirts, the timing of the donation seemed particularly apt.

John added: “We can only speculate that it was made by an airman connected with Sunderlands, and likely for a child. But there was no money in it!”

Housed in the former Royal Dockyard Chapel, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm, enabling visitors to explore over 200 years of maritime, military and social history at the all-weather family attraction.

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer guides will greet you, and fun activities await children of all ages. You might even meet Charlie, the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll, featured in a recent episode of the BBC Antiques Road Show.

Discover the Short Sunderland flying boats that protected allied convoys in the World War II Battle of the Atlantic.

View the stunning new Pembroke Dock Memorial Window installation.

Learn about famous ships built at Pembroke Dock through the ages – including the iconic Star Wars starship The Millennium Falcon. Don’t miss the Falcon Fun Day on Spring Bank Holiday, May 25!

The new gift shop sells themed souvenirs and an impressive range of books and videos about local and military history, while the coffee bar proudly offers locally-roasted barista coffee, along with teas, cakes and snacks.

There’s ample free parking onsite, including accessible spaces, free wi-fi throughout and a welcome for well-behaved dogs.

Visit www.pdht.org to find out more about Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.