Memorial Details
Memorial
Plaque Bombings 1941 Ouseburn
Reference
NUT278
Place
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Map ref
NZ 262643
Present Location
Tarset Street, Battlefield, Newcastle upon Tyne
Which war
1939-45
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Unveiled on Sunday 24th October 2015
Memorial Description
Plaque 24 inches high x 18 inches wide (608mm x 450mm). The lettering is raised in white on a blue background using sans serif lettering, lower case for the text and upper case for the names.
Materials used
Metal
Inscription
Heroes on the Home Front.
Names
Who commissioned
Friends and the Ouseburn Trust
How money was raised
The plaque was installed by family and friends of Ernest and current residents and neighbours with support from Newcastle City Council Ouseburn Ward Fund.
Ownership and maintenance
Ouseburn Trust
Notes
1. In 2020 a video was made by Steven Rudd which told the story of the bombing, the bravery of those involved, accompanied by a song written by Larry Page, the nephew of Irene Page who lost her life in the incident.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: James Pasby; Steven Rudd
Video: Steve Rudd
Video: Steve Rudd
External web link
Research acknowledgements
J R Hipkin, Ouseburn Trust; James Pasby; Steven Rudd
Research In Progress
If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk
Plaque Bombings 1941 Ouseburn (NUT278)
Heroes on the Home Front
On 31st May, 1941, local schoolgirl Irene Page, aged 7,
died when she fell into a gas filled bomb crater
on Tarset Street, directly opposite here.
This plaque commemorates the bravery of those
who also died that day trying to save her:
Ernest (Sonny) Smith aged 12
John Tulip aged 35 (Irene's uncle)
George Wanless aged 30 (auxiliary fireman)
Firemen Larry Young and George Bruce
recovered the bodies at great risk to their lives.
This tragic event led to posthumous awards for
Sonny Smith (The Scout Association's Bronze Cross)
and George Wanless (King's Commendation).
George Bruce was also commended and Larry Young
was awarded the George Medal.
Installed by Sonny and Irene's friends with support from the Ouseburn Trust
NamesNUT278
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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