Obelisk 1914-18 1939-45 Roadside

Darras Road. Outside Memorial Hall.

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

a. Unveiled 16 July 1920 by Col. Riddell.

Fine axed grey granite

£307

Public subscription and fund raising events.

Wm. Donaldson, 26 Ridley Villas, Newcastle.

a.
To the glory of God
and in memory of
those connected with
this parish of Ponteland
who gave their lives
in the Great War
1914 – 1919
Rest eternal grant to them O Lord
and let light perpetual
shine upon them.

b.
1939-1945
(Names)

Obelisk 14 feet 6 inches high (4.4m) standing on a pedestal which in turn stands on two steps.

At the base of the obelisk, above the pedestal, two rifles rest on their butts draped with two crossed flags, surmounted by a laurel wreath, all carved in half relief.

The dedication is on the front of the pedestal, with the names from 1914-1918 on the sides.

The names from 1939-45 are listed in two columns on the risers of each of the two steps.

The lettering is in lead sans serif capitals.

1. The name “S. Morley” is additional to those on the obelisk See P12.07

2. Proposals to improve the state of the memorial were reported in 2013. £2,474 was allocated by the town council. The wall had been hit by vehicles several times and were damaged, and would be repaired. The four pillars which had been part of the original design would be reinstated. The steps would be rearranged to help avoid vehicle damage and provide easier access by those laying wreaths.

Photos: J. Brown; P. Thirkell

Hexham Courant
27/07/1920 reports unveiling

Illustrated Chronicle
31/01/1920 reports proposed unveiling;
17/07/1920 carries report of unveiling;
06/08/1920 carries a photo;
30/04/1921 carries a photo

Morpeth Herald
06/02/1920 reports on the designer and details of the proposed monument;
21/11/2013 reports proposals to improve the site.

Newcastle Daily Journal
30/01/1920 reports proposed unveiling “next month”;
17/07/1920 reports unveiling “in a field near the railway station” and the names are engraved in “imperishable lead”

Northern Echo
17/07/1920 reports unveiling.

Northumberland Record Office
War Memorial Account book which also gives a list of “The Fallen in Ponteland Parish”

Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Alnwick Castle.
“Welcome Home” Leaflet given individually to those returning, and listing the names of those who died and those who served in 1914-19 (photocopy on file).

Morpeth County Library
Frith collection of photographs shows monument surrounded by a hedge; Postcard collection shows monument standing before the hall was built.

We Will Remember Them : The Story of the Men on the Ponteland War Memorial. Muriel Sobo; Ponteland Parish Council; 2005 contains potted histories of those killed in both Great Wars.

Source of quotation:
“Rest eternal grant to them . . .” Mass for the Dead”

Philip Thirkell;
Janet Brown;
T.L. Almond (Ponteland Local History Society);
Michael Newrick;
Capt.(Rtd) P.H.D. Marr, Regimental Secretary, R.R.F.;
Tony Harding;
Dorothy Hall

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