Pembroke Dock Area Business Network
Dockyard closure (1926) dealt the town's economy "the cruellest blow ... ever suffered". Bankruptcies and distress followed. "Look at Pembroke Dock," protested Labour leader Willie Jenkins. "One time prosperous people are glad and delighted to have a food ticket tonight".
Some workers moved to other Royal Dockyards, and the town's public buildings now served a depleted community, "a town of unemployed and pensioners". Smaller private marine industries continued, and after 1930 the new RAF station brought back some prosperity.
With its air base, barracks and naval oil depot, Pembroke Dock was a prime target for World War II air raids. Many lives were lost. In 1940, after an attack, eleven gigantic oil tanks were consumed by fire. In 1941 a series of raids left areas of the town in ruins.
Both light and heavy industry provided work after 1945, with factories at Kingswood, and construction and manning of the nearby oil refineries and power station. The Dockyard has been a base for marine services since the 1950s, and for the Irish Ferry terminal since 1979
Today, the maritime environment is still a key part of the Towns economy, but the ships are smaller and mainly used for pleasure.
Search for businesses in Pembroke Dock area
Business Support:Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade
Contact: Chris Morris