Plaque 1914-18 1939-45 St. Mary and St. Stephen

Church of St Mary and St Stephen, Church Lane, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland DL13 3AJ. NZ 07320 37398

On the north wall.

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

a. Unveiled 12th September 1926 by Rev. H.G.H. Shaddick, Vicar of New Shildon.

Light oak?

a.
To the glory of God and in loving memory of those
who laid down their lives in the Great War.

b.
1939-1945
In honoured memory of the men
of this parish who gave their lives for
their country and mankind in the
Second World War.

Strong in faith they went forth
from home and kindred and trod
the path of sacrifice.

Faithful unto death.

Plaque with curved raised top, in which is a laurel wreath carved in half relief encircling the words “Pro Patria” with the dates “1914” and “1918” on either side.

The two dedications and each list of names are in a series of sunken panels in which the lettering is carved to stand proud.

The names for 1914-18 are in four columns, those for 1939-45 are in three columns.

All lettering is in sans serif capitals.

1. This might well be a new memorial which combined the two wars, replacing one for the 1914-18 war. There seems to be a join between the top and lower halves. Also, there are subtle differences in the lettering (the letter “g” for example) – the later part is much cleaner in its execution.

Photo: John and Mavis Dixon; Simon Raine

Durham Record Office:
List of those who died both wars E/W/G29; correspondence with CWGC EP/Wol 171

Sources of quotations
“Strong in faith . . .” (Not ascertained);
“Faithful unto death” Revelation 2 v 10.

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
John and Mavis Dixon

Ken Heatherington has researched the names on the local memorials.

His research is available at Weardale Museum and High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn Co Durham DL13 1HD.

For opening hours consult www.weardalemuseum.org.uk

Contact ken.heatherington@btinternet.com