Memorial

Plaque 1939-45 Roadside

Cambois

Memorial Name: Plaque 1939-45 Roadside (C6.03)

NEWMP Ref No.: C6.03

Parish: Cambois

Original Location:

On back wall of semi-circular enclosure outside St. Andrew’s Church.

Which War:

1939-1945

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled 14th September 1947.
Dedicated by Rev. J. Chambers.
Address given by H.C. Gray.

Materials Used:

Granite

Inscription:

1939-1945

Memorial Description:

Plaque about 48 inches high x 24 inches wide (130cms x 61cms).

Letters are raised using sans serif capitals, the names listed in a single column below the dates.

Names:

22 names.
See transcript.

Notes:

1. Mr. Gray who gave the address at the unveiling was the former headmaster of Cambois School and had taught all those killed.

2. In 1995, for the 50th anniversary of VE Day, war veterans were presented with a specially made certificate of merit, which were sent to all men all over the world who had fought from Cambois. The idea was that of the Residents’ Association Chairman, Stan Bryson, who organised the VE 50th day celebrations.

3. A local appeal for funds enabled the restoration of the memorial to take place.

4. The name of George Henry Harris was added following the 1997 restoration. He had served with HM Coastguards and was killed in 1941 after stepping on a mine. In May 1998, frustration was felt that the name had still not been added, due to confusion over who owned the memorial.

Sources:

Photos: J. Brown; P. Thirkell; James Pasby

Blyth Post
18/09/1947 reports unveiling.

Morpeth Herald
19/09/1947 reports unveiling.
(Available on The British Newspaper Archive)

News Post Leader
16/02/1995 reports fund-raising to allow the restoration.

The Journal
19/05/1995 reports presentation of certificates of merit to war veterans.
19/05/1998 reports frustration at the delay in adding the name of George Henry Harris to the memorial.