Memorial Details
Memorial
Plaque Merchant Navy 1914-18 1939-45 Ropner Park
Reference
S138.53
Place
STOCKTON ON TEES
Original Location
Ropner Park
Which war
a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45
b. 1939-45
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Unveiled 30th October 2005 by Capt. Colin Tingle (retired)
Memorial Description
Memorial of rough-hewn stone. On the front is a plaque which has a narrow raised edge. At centre top is the badge of the Merchant Navy. The dates of the two great wars are on each side of the badge. Lettering is in raised burnished sans serif capitals.
Materials used
Bronze plaque
Inscription
In gratitude and to the memory of all seafarers lost in service from
Ropner & Pool Shipping Co. Ltd.
in two world wars and to those whose lives have been taken by the
unforgiving sea in peacetime.
“On all the oceans white caps flow you do not see crosses row on row but those
that sleep beneath the sea, rest in peace, for your country is free"
Funded by Merchant seamen of all nations, their families, local business & the local authority of
Stockton - on - Tees.
Names
None
Who commissioned
Billy McGee, former merchant seaman.
Cost
Estimated at £1,500
How money was raised
Ropner Navy Memorial Fund, contributed to by the public, local businesses and the local authority.
Notes
1. This was the brainchild of Mr. Billy McGee, who has also been involved in creating memorials in Germany and Singapore.
2. The park was chosen at the site because it had been given to Stockton Council in 1893 by Sir Robert Ropner, who owned ships which served in both wars.
3. Capt. Colin Tingle’s service includes 30 years with Ropner’s
4. Also present at the unveiling was Geoff Morton, M.B.E., survivor of the Ropner ship Fort Kelly, sunk 20th July 1943.
2. The park was chosen at the site because it had been given to Stockton Council in 1893 by Sir Robert Ropner, who owned ships which served in both wars.
3. Capt. Colin Tingle’s service includes 30 years with Ropner’s
4. Also present at the unveiling was Geoff Morton, M.B.E., survivor of the Ropner ship Fort Kelly, sunk 20th July 1943.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: Jean Machell
Evening Gazette 22/06/2005 reports proposals; 01/11/2005 reports unveiling.
Stockton-on-Tees Local History Journal No. 13 Summer 2007.
Evening Gazette 22/06/2005 reports proposals; 01/11/2005 reports unveiling.
Stockton-on-Tees Local History Journal No. 13 Summer 2007.
External web link
Additional Research documents (click to download)
Research acknowledgements
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; Jean Machell
Research In Progress
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Plaque Merchant Navy 1914-18 1939-45 Ropner Park (S138.53)
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Parish Notes
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