The Free Wales Army (Welsh: Byddin Rhyddid Cymru) is a paramilitary Welsh nationalist organisation, formed originally out of Lampeter, West Wales by William Julian Cayo-Evans in 1963 as a replacement for Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru.Byddin Rhyddid Cymru originally consisted of a number of commanding units leading a structure of ranks and volunteers. These commanding units were often isolated and worked within the tight precepts of army directives. Activities were largely limited to training in the Welsh countryside armed with surplus IRA equipment, and small–scale operations. The authorities took court action against the leading figures in 1969, resulting in lengthy prison sentences against various members for causing explosions, possessing explosives, possessing firearms and public parades
Cayo was conscripted into the British Army aged 18, and served actively in Malaya. This experience coupled with a fascination with politics inspired by a Polish man who taught him at Millfield, embittered him towards the British Government and their manhandling of Wales.This ultimately led to the formation of The 'Free Wales Army', with Cayo at its head. The FWA was most active in the 1960's, with a campaign that shook BritainYears later the FWA laid claim to Millions of pounds worth of disruption and damage to English owned property throughout Wales during a lengthy campaign in association with Mebion Glyndwr.This is the legacy he and his brave volunteers have left the younger generations born in Wales..... Cayo's dream, the dreams of Meibion Glyndwr, Free Wales Army, MAC and the new cluster cells of volunteers is moving from the shadowlands of a nightmarish sleep- to the beauty of Freedom's call. Rhoddri Morgan said that the advent of the Puppet Assembly showed that "Wales had grown up...her time has come."
Our time has come.
Cofio Cayo! Remember Cayo! Fe Godwn ni eto! We shall rise again!
