Cross 1914-18 1939-45 Afghanistan Village green

Island site on green in centre of village

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45
c. Afghanistan 2013

Unveiled 21st May 1921 by Col. Thomas Dowling of Bishop Auckland;
dedicated by Rev. John Holliday, M.A.

Sandstone from Wolsingham Park quarry.

War Memorial Committee.

See Note 2 below.

Site donated by Mr. W.R. Richardson of Hollin Hill Farm.

J.G. Brown, Sc. Wolsingham (Mason)

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

c.
Afghanistan 2013.

Cross.

It is atop a slim octagonal column, resting on a square pedestal of sandstone and four stone steps, total height approx. 10 feet (3m).

It is 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.

The name from Afghanistan is on the rise of the stop below these.

Those for 1939-45 are on the side.

They are listed in a single column on each in sans serif capitals.

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.

Historic England Listing

Photos: C. Sanders; George Jameson; Dorothy Hall; Lonely Tower

Auckland and County Chronicle
02/06/1921 reports unveiling

Darlington & Stockton Times
28/05/1921 reports unveiling;
04/06/1921 reports unveiling.

Illustrated Chronicle
16/06/1920 carries photo of cross to be unveiled;

History of the Parish of Hamsterley H.C. Surtees, 1926.

Source of quotation:
They gave their lives for their country . . . (Not ascertained)

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
C. Sanders;
Errol Broomfield;
John & Mavis Dixon;
Miss S.D. Richardson;
George Jameson;
Dorothy Hall

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk