During the years the subway was open it was guarded by a team of six Penarth Dock policemen, members of a private police force based in the Marine Buildings, now facing the Penarth end of the barrage. Here is Constable James Craig Jackson in the uniform they wore at the time.
One final rumour surrounding the subway (which we have been told on the extremely good authority of a prominent Penarthian) is that there are at least 5 or 6 men and women still living in Penarth today who can trace their beginnings back to the amorous activities of the American troops staying in the town during the last war who apparently enjoyed - quote - “a lot of rest and recreation with some of the ladies of Penarth in the conveniently dark and deserted Ely River subway”. If only all those old glistening tiles could talk!
Many thanks to Jane Hall, Alan Thorne and all the members of Cardiff Bay Yacht Club for this contribution.
