Welsh were not only victims of empire but also exploiters, claims historian Huw Bowen

A Welsh historian who believes Wales’ part in the British Empire has been largely ignored has produced a new book to put the record straight.

Swansea University-based Professor Huw Bowen believes up to now Welsh historians have often viewed the Welsh as victims of the British Empire.

As a result he says, the story of Wales and the British Empire has concentrated on the working classes.

But Professor Bowen says the fabric of the British Empire was studded with Welsh soldiers, sailors, administrators, entrepreneurs, surgeons, diplomats and adventurers....