Plaque 1914-18 Memorial Hall

Witton Park and District War Memorial Institute and Red Triangle Club, known as “The Hut”.(Demolished)

Just inside the cemetery gates, to the east of St. Chad’s RC Church.

There is a plaque affixed to both sides of the stone.

1914-18

Unveiled 25th October 1921 by Princess Marie Louise; dedicated by Dean Welldon.

Bronze plaque on oak pattress.

Herbert Wauthier des F. Osborne Co. Ltd London

1914 1919
To the glorious memory of the
men of Witton Park and District who
laid down their lives in the Great War.

Plaque set on oak pattress.

There is a raised border of stems and flowers.

At centre top is a wreath with the dates on either side.

The names are listed in five columns.

Lettering is in Roman capitals throughout.

1. There are some discrepancies between the names on the lists in the church (W125.02) and in the hall:
In the church: Greegan, in the hall: Creegan.
In the church: Lymas, in the hall: Lynas.
In the church: York, in the hall: Yorke.
The name Lumley is in the church but not in the hall.

2. 67 poplar trees were to be planted outside the hall, each one representing one man killed. Only half were ever planted, of which none survived. The first – reported to be a lime tree – was planted by Princess Marie Louise on the same occasion as unveiling the plaque. She was presented with a spade inscribed with the words “With this spade Her Highness Princess Marie Louise inaugurated the tree-planting in memory of the fallen of Witton Park, 25th October, 1921. Presented by Mrs. Sydney Foster, Bishop Auckland”.

3. Princess Marie Louise was presented with a bouquet by Lavinia Lumley, the daughter of a dead soldier. The Princess “signified her pleasure by kissing the little girl to the delight of all”.

4. The Princess was also given a copy of “The Coming of the Princess, being the Official Souvenir of the Unveiling of Witton Park Memorial 25th October, 1921, by Her Highness Princess Marie Louise” compiled for the occasion by T. Dando.

5. The plaque should have been unveiled at the same time as the hut was officially opened but was not ready in time.

Photos: John and Mavis Dixon; James Pasby

Darlington and Stockton Times
29/10/1921 reports unveiling.

Evening Despatch
25/10/1921 and 26/10/1921 report unveiling

Illustrated Chronicle
29/08/1921 reports proposed unveiling; 26/10/1921 reports unveiling

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
29/10/1921 reports on Princess Louise’s visit and planting trees.

Northern Echo
25/10/1921 reports proposed unveiling; 06/12/1920 reports unveiling.

“Witton Park, Forever Paradise” “Memories of Witton Park” Compiled by Ken Biggs, Keith Belton and Dale Daniel c2000

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
John and Mavis Dixon;
C. Sanders;
Dale Daniel;
Gillian Wales;
Dorothy Hall

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