Memorial Details
Memorial
Bust Robson V.C. South Tyneside Library
Reference
S86.141
Place
SOUTH SHIELDS
Map ref
NZ 366673
Original Location
In South Tyneside Library, Prince Georg Square, South Shields.
Present Location
The Word. South Shields Market place.
Which war
1914-18
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
c2006
Memorial Description
Sculpted model of the head and shoulders of Henry Howey Robson, V.C. wearing the Glengarry hat.
This is kept in a home-made display cabinet 24 ins x 15 ins x 12 ins (608mm x 378mm x 304mm) which also contains some explanatory notes about the regiment and the Victoria Cross.
This is kept in a home-made display cabinet 24 ins x 15 ins x 12 ins (608mm x 378mm x 304mm) which also contains some explanatory notes about the regiment and the Victoria Cross.
Materials used
Terra cotta head; wood and Perspex cabinet.
Names
(Henry Howey Robson, V.C.)
Who commissioned
Privately done by sculptor.
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
Mel Douglas, a local man.
Ownership and maintenance
Donated to South Tyneside Central Library now The Word.
Notes
1. His Victoria Cross is on show at the Royal Scots section of the Scottish War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle. He was presented with his V.C. by King George V at Buckingham Palace on July 12th 1915. Three days later he attended a civic reception in South Shields and later in the year was awarded the Freedom of the Borough. A total of £73 was collected for him raised from the Lord Mayor's shilling Fund. His old school in Mortimer Road also presented him with a gold watch.
Robson returned to France in November 1916 and was wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Ancre.
2. He was the first man to be made a Freeman of the Borough of South Shields.
3. The bust was “Sculpted by Mel Douglas in honour and respect for a brave man”. It is approx half full size.
4. There are several websites telling his story, including one that shows his grave marker in Toronto. Follow the links below.
5. Henry Howey Robson attended the John Williamson Street War Memorial unveiling in 1919 as a visitor. S86.015.
6. Read his Every Name A Story entry.
Robson returned to France in November 1916 and was wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Ancre.
2. He was the first man to be made a Freeman of the Borough of South Shields.
3. The bust was “Sculpted by Mel Douglas in honour and respect for a brave man”. It is approx half full size.
4. There are several websites telling his story, including one that shows his grave marker in Toronto. Follow the links below.
5. Henry Howey Robson attended the John Williamson Street War Memorial unveiling in 1919 as a visitor. S86.015.
6. Read his Every Name A Story entry.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: James Pasby: James Hoy Archive: Janis Blower
London Gazette18/02/ 1915 carries the citation
Shields Gazette 04/12/2014 reports paving stone VC service.
Shields Gazette 12/12/2014 gives some details about his life.
London Gazette18/02/ 1915 carries the citation
Shields Gazette 04/12/2014 reports paving stone VC service.
Shields Gazette 12/12/2014 gives some details about his life.
External web link
Research acknowledgements
James Pasby; James Hoy Archive; Shields Gazette; Janis Blower
Research In Progress
If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk
Bust Robson V.C. South Tyneside Library (S86.141)
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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