Memorial Details
Memorial
Station of the Cross Morris 1945 St. Thomas of Canterbury R.C.
Reference
W128.14
Place
WOLSINGHAM
Map ref
NZ 076374
Original Location
St. Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, Rectory Lane. In south aisle.
Which war
1939-45
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
c1945
Memorial Description
Painting of The Twelfth Station of the Cross, in a wood frame, 51 inches high x 37 inches wide, depicting Jesus dead on the cross with Mary and John gazing up and Mary Magdalene at his feet. The frame has a curved top surmounted by a cross. The words “Jesus dies on the cross” are incised into the deep bottom of frame.
On the bottom of the frame is a plaque 1 inch high x 2½ inches wide bearing the dedication, the lettering in elongated sans serif capitals.
On the bottom of the frame is a plaque 1 inch high x 2½ inches wide bearing the dedication, the lettering in elongated sans serif capitals.
Materials used
Canvas, wood, brass plaque.
Inscription
P.O. F.A. Morris R.A.F.
Names
See above
Who commissioned
Church authorities, as far as is known, with perhaps an involvement of the family.
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
See Note 2 below.
Ownership and maintenance
St. Thomas of Canterbury Church
Notes
1. Each of the fourteen Stations has an individual carved inscription denoting the Station itself and a small metal plaque – most of which are in remembrance or recognition of local families.
2. The paintings all appear to be by the same artist, thought to be Italian. Some paintings are signed either “M” or “L.M”. The frames are understood to have been made and carved by Italian Prisoners of War at Prison Camp Number 93, at Harperley, which lies between Wolsingham and Crook. The original camp buildings contain many examples of artwork by prisoners. It is possible that the paintings are by one of the PoWs.
3. P.O. Morris was in a Lancaster bomber on a raid from Chedburgh to attack railway yards at Bad Oldesloe. As the aircraft became airborne the starboard engines failed and lost power. It staggered across the airfield and crashed into a hedgerow close to the Bury St Edmunds to Haverhill road. For the next thirty seconds explosions rent the air until the flames were brought under control. All the crew died. P.O. Morris is buried in the churchyard. See Every Name a Story
2. The paintings all appear to be by the same artist, thought to be Italian. Some paintings are signed either “M” or “L.M”. The frames are understood to have been made and carved by Italian Prisoners of War at Prison Camp Number 93, at Harperley, which lies between Wolsingham and Crook. The original camp buildings contain many examples of artwork by prisoners. It is possible that the paintings are by one of the PoWs.
3. P.O. Morris was in a Lancaster bomber on a raid from Chedburgh to attack railway yards at Bad Oldesloe. As the aircraft became airborne the starboard engines failed and lost power. It staggered across the airfield and crashed into a hedgerow close to the Bury St Edmunds to Haverhill road. For the next thirty seconds explosions rent the air until the flames were brought under control. All the crew died. P.O. Morris is buried in the churchyard. See Every Name a Story
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: John and Mavis Dixon
The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War. W.R. Chorley. Midlands Counties Publications. ISBN 0 904597 92 X
The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War. W.R. Chorley. Midlands Counties Publications. ISBN 0 904597 92 X
External web link
Research acknowledgements
Dorothy Hall; Mrs Josie Green, Sacristan; John and Mavis Dixon; Janet Brown
Research In Progress
Ken Heatherington has researched the names on the local memorials. His research is available at Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn Co Durham DL13 1HD. www.weardalemuseum.org.uk
Opening Hours 2pm - 5pm, Easter and Bank Holidays, May, June, July, Sept, and October (Wednesday to Sunday inclusive). Every afternoon in August.
Contact ken.heatherington@btinternet.com
Station of the Cross Morris 1945 St. Thomas of Canterbury R.C. (W128.14)
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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