Cardiff wartime hero honored 83 years after saving iconic city center building

A wartime hero celebrates his 100th birthday.

Ronald Brignell was 16 when he rescued someone cardiff The town hall was destroyed during World War II; World War II.

He held a sandbag in his teeth and another under his arm as he climbed up the drainpipe to put out the flames.

Mr. Brignall completed the job by climbing back into the pipe with a fire hose between his teeth.

At the time, he was studying to qualify as a plumber at university.

As he was walking home, he saw a Molotov cocktail falling on the roof of City Hall.

He told a local newspaper at the time that his jaw was sore from carrying the sandbags and that he had damaged his suit.

Brignall said before the ceremony that he had “no fear” and “just wanted to make sure the bomb didn’t cause any damage to City Hall.”

He later became an official fire observer to help ensure the safety of Cardiff during the war, before joining Royal Air Force 1944.

Cardiff Mayor Bablin Molik visited Mr Brignall sussex The nursing home where he now lives issued him a special certificate.

Mr Brignall’s son Ian said his father was “delighted to receive this recognition”.

“It’s the perfect gift for his birthday,” he added.

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Ms Mollick said the “best part” of her job was meeting “amazing people”.

She added: “I know this is a belated honour, but it is equally heartfelt and I assure Mr Brignall and his family that the whole of Cardiff is grateful for the kindness he displayed on that day in 1941. Thanks for the heroic act.”