Memorial Details
Memorial
Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Afghanistan Village green
Reference
H110.01
Place
HAMSTERLEY
Map ref
1231
Original Location
Island site on green in centre of village
Which war
a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45
c. Afghanistan 2013
b. 1939-45
c. Afghanistan 2013
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Unveiled 21st May 1921 by Col. Thomas Dowling of Bishop Auckland; dedicated by Rev. John Holliday, M.A.
Memorial Description
Cross, slim octagonal column, resting on a square pedestal of sandstone and four stone steps, total height approx. 10 feet high. Set inside a stone walled area including eight flat-topped columns, paved with chippings, and wrought iron gate.
The names for 1914-18 are on the front and back of the pedestal, those for 1939-45 are on the side. They are listed in a single column on each in sans serif capitals.
The names for 1914-18 are on the front and back of the pedestal, those for 1939-45 are on the side. They are listed in a single column on each in sans serif capitals.
Materials used
Sandstone from Wolsingham Park quarry.
Inscription
a. A tribute of honour / (names) / 1914-1919
They gave their lives / for their country, / their souls to God / and their names / to posterity.
b. 1939-1945
They gave their lives / for their country, / their souls to God / and their names / to posterity.
b. 1939-1945
Names
Who commissioned
War Memorial Committee.
Cost
See Note 2 below.
How money was raised
Site donated by Mr. W.R. Richardson of Hollin Hill Farm.
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
J.G. Brown, Sc. Wolsingham (Mason)
Notes
1. “A local gentleman seeing my interest informed me that its condition had been quite poor until recently until a passing American had asked him about those responsible for it and then arranged for its cleaning.” (Letter from Errol Broomfield, 1st February 2002
2. “We, the family of William Robinson Richardson, were always given to believe that Grandfather, above, had given the land for a memorial to be raised after the 1st World War and supplied the money for such memorial. He had 2 sons who fought and lived.” (Granddaughter, Miss Sarah Doreen Richardson).
3. The three names on the rear of the monument belong to a Canadian and two Australians. They were natives of the parish who joined up from the colonies.
4. Captain Richard J. Holloway Royal Engineers Special Boat Service was killed in Afghanistan 23/12/2013. His funeral service took place at Durham Cathedral 23/01/2014. (See links below)
2. “We, the family of William Robinson Richardson, were always given to believe that Grandfather, above, had given the land for a memorial to be raised after the 1st World War and supplied the money for such memorial. He had 2 sons who fought and lived.” (Granddaughter, Miss Sarah Doreen Richardson).
3. The three names on the rear of the monument belong to a Canadian and two Australians. They were natives of the parish who joined up from the colonies.
4. Captain Richard J. Holloway Royal Engineers Special Boat Service was killed in Afghanistan 23/12/2013. His funeral service took place at Durham Cathedral 23/01/2014. (See links below)
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: C. Sanders; George Jameson; Dorothy Hall; Lonely Tower
Auckland and County Chronicle 02/06/1921 reports unveiling
Illustrated Chronicle 16/06/1920 carries photo of cross to be unveiled;
Darlington & Stockton Times 28/05/1921 reports unveiling; 04/06/1921 reports unveiling.
History of the Parish of Hamsterley H.C. Surtees, 1926.
Source of quotation:
They gave their lives for their country . . . (Not ascertained)
Auckland and County Chronicle 02/06/1921 reports unveiling
Illustrated Chronicle 16/06/1920 carries photo of cross to be unveiled;
Darlington & Stockton Times 28/05/1921 reports unveiling; 04/06/1921 reports unveiling.
History of the Parish of Hamsterley H.C. Surtees, 1926.
Source of quotation:
They gave their lives for their country . . . (Not ascertained)
External web link
Links to Source Material :
Research acknowledgements
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; C. Sanders; Errol Broomfield; John & Mavis Dixon; Miss S.D. Richardson; George Jameson; Dorothy Hall
Research In Progress
If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk
Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Afghanistan Village green (H110.01)
HAMSTERLEY centre of village
Front face
A tribute of honour
Robert Fuller
John Wm. Race
George Thos. Spence
Llewellyn Thomson
Thomas Smith
1914 1919
---------------------------
On rear
They gave their lives
for their country,
their souls to God
and their names
to posterity.
---------------------------
Left hand side
Anthony Oates
Canadians
Joseph Marquis
Fredk. Wm. Marquis
Australians
---------------------------
On right hand side
1939-1945
Kenneth Allanson
Dennis Bainbridge
Thomas Fogg-Elliott
William Guy
Morris Hall
Robert Lawson
William Marquis
Brian Roberts
Gilbert Tallentire
Ritz Coatsworth
On riser below
Andrew Jameson
NamesH110.01
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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