Memorial Details
Memorial
Plaque 1914-18 Park School
Reference
W84.10
Place
WHITLEY BAY
Map ref
NZ 353726
Original Location
Park School, Park Road / Marine Gardens.
Present Location
Marine Park First School, Park Road / Elmwood Grove.
Which war
1914-18.
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Top part unveiled 15th December 1920 by Professor Mark R. Wright, M.A.; dedicated by Rev. T. Rook, M.A. of Whitley Bay.
Base unveiled 17th October 1923 by Professor Mark R. Wright, Chairman of the Board of Governors; dedicated by Rev. J. Wilson,
Base unveiled 17th October 1923 by Professor Mark R. Wright, Chairman of the Board of Governors; dedicated by Rev. J. Wilson,
Memorial Description
Two identical plaques each 30 inches high x 15 inches wide (762mm x 381mm), each bearing half the alphabetical order of names. There is a raised boss in the each top corner, and in the bottom left and right hand corners there are two raised tapered cylinders. A border of a single line round the edge traces round these features.
The names are listed in a single column, the title is in elaborate capitals, the names are in sans serif capitals.
These plaques were originally set in a large pedimented frame, “designed after the manner of the entrance to a Greek temple”, 9 feet 6 inches long x 7 feet 6 inches high. They were placed on each side of a painting entitled “Remembrance” . In the pediment was a shield raised in half relief. Below that, in the frame above the plaques, is the motto “Quo Fata Vocant”. There was a shelf for flowers.
The base was added two years later. It bore the words “Thy Will Be Done” and the supporting brackets were entwined by forget-me-nots.
The names are listed in a single column, the title is in elaborate capitals, the names are in sans serif capitals.
These plaques were originally set in a large pedimented frame, “designed after the manner of the entrance to a Greek temple”, 9 feet 6 inches long x 7 feet 6 inches high. They were placed on each side of a painting entitled “Remembrance” . In the pediment was a shield raised in half relief. Below that, in the frame above the plaques, is the motto “Quo Fata Vocant”. There was a shelf for flowers.
The base was added two years later. It bore the words “Thy Will Be Done” and the supporting brackets were entwined by forget-me-nots.
Materials used
Brass. Oak frame.
Inscription
Roll of Honour.
Names
Present condition
“As good as new”
Sculptor, Artist or Designer
Carving of the top section was done by Mr. G. Heron of Newcastle.
Base was carved for nothing by the school caretaker, Mr. Peter Marshall. Both top and bottom sections were designed by a former Park School pupil, Mr. Harry Kaye of Stoddart and Kaye, Newcastle.
Notes
1. The original school at Park Road / Marine Gardens was demolished 2003-4.
2. The headmaster at the time of the Great War was Mr. McQuillen, and the pupils were known as “McQuillen’s Boys”.
3. A pair of brass flower vases to be added to the memorial was presented by Lady Douglass and accepted by Mr. McQillen.
4. The painting “Remembrance” was by Miss Kate McCoughtrie and exhibited in the Royal Academy. It was a popular picture and used in several memorials. See Boulmer B49.03; Felton F14.04
5. The school was one of the pioneers in school war savings, and they provided £9,569 in contributions for war loan purposes.
6. Of the Old Boys who enlisted, 70 had gained commissions and 41 gained distinctions.
2. The headmaster at the time of the Great War was Mr. McQuillen, and the pupils were known as “McQuillen’s Boys”.
3. A pair of brass flower vases to be added to the memorial was presented by Lady Douglass and accepted by Mr. McQillen.
4. The painting “Remembrance” was by Miss Kate McCoughtrie and exhibited in the Royal Academy. It was a popular picture and used in several memorials. See Boulmer B49.03; Felton F14.04
5. The school was one of the pioneers in school war savings, and they provided £9,569 in contributions for war loan purposes.
6. Of the Old Boys who enlisted, 70 had gained commissions and 41 gained distinctions.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photos: R.W. Gould; Photo of school: Kevin Milburn
Illustrated Chronicle 17/12/1920 reports unveiling of top section with photo; 18/10/1923 reports unveiling of base with photos.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 18/12/1920 reports unveiling of top half of memorial; 20/10/1923 reports unveiling of base with photos; 08/07/1921 reports presentation of vases.
Whitley Bay Observer 17/12/1920 report unveiling; 08/07/1921 reports presentation of brass vases.
Illustrated Chronicle 17/12/1920 reports unveiling of top section with photo; 18/10/1923 reports unveiling of base with photos.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 18/12/1920 reports unveiling of top half of memorial; 20/10/1923 reports unveiling of base with photos; 08/07/1921 reports presentation of vases.
Whitley Bay Observer 17/12/1920 report unveiling; 08/07/1921 reports presentation of brass vases.
Links to Source Material :
Additional Research documents (click to download)
Research acknowledgements
The late R.W. Gould, Mr. J. Birkett; Dorothy Hall; Kevin Milburn; Tony Harding; Diane, North Tyneside Libraries
Research In Progress
If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk
Plaque 1914-18 Park School (W84.10)
WHITLEY BAY Marine Park First School.
First plaque Second Plaque
ROLL OF HONOUR ROLL OF HONOUR
Charles Bell Thomas A. Lauder
Frank R. Bell W. Ewart G. Leach
Randal Bennion W. Eric Little
Roy Birkett Aynsley Little
Arthur H. Brooks Alan McDougall
Athol I. Chappy, Lieut. Wilfred Oliver
Robert Charlton Charles H. Pettigrew
Richard Christopher, Lieut. Ernest Phillips
Henry W. Cowen, 2nd Lieut. Walter H. Platten, 2nd Lieut.
Russell Crawford, 2nd Lieut. John W. Revell
Leslie Dobeson Harry Richards, Lieut.
Maurice S. Dove P. Reay Ridley, M.C., Lieut.
Charles Dunn Arthur Robinson
Bernard Forster Fred. W. Robson
Norman Futers, Capt. Thomas R. Robson
Matthew Geddes, Sergt. Tom W. Rogerson, Sergt.
John Gibson W. Cecil Rutherford, Lieut.
Charles S. Gilhespie, 2nd Lieut. Thomas Shields
Albert E. Head, Lieut. Richard Sowerby
Leslie Heads Arthur Storey
Alex. C. Heathcock Cyril Strong
Robert W. Hogg, Sergt. William H. Tait
Ernest Holdsworth, 2nd Lieut. John W. Taylor
Andrew Holmes, 2nd Lieut. Wilfrid T. Thompson, Lieut.
Cecil W. Hunt, L/Cpl. Edward D. Todd
Robert Johnson, 2nd Lieut. Stanley Warham, L/Cpl.
Ernest H. Joy Raymond Watson, 2nd. Lieut.
J.W. Kindleysides, Sergt. George A.E. Wright.
NamesW84.10
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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