Memorial

Plaque 1914-18 North Eastern Railway

Monkwearmouth

Memorial Name: Plaque 1914-18 North Eastern Railway (M46.09)

NEWMP Ref No.: M46.09

Parish: Monkwearmouth

Original Location:

Stables in Easington Street, Sunderland.

Past Location:

Monkwearmouth Station Museum.

Inside the entrance to the offices

Present Location:

2016 – in store at Sunderland Museum

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Unveiled 25th September 1923 by Mr. Alex Wilson, Divisional General Manager, London & North Eastern Railway.

Materials Used:

Brass plaque in oak frame.

Who Commissioned:

North Eastern Railway

Inscription:

North Eastern Railway
Commercial and Operating Departments
Sunderland Goods Station
Roll of Honour
of those who made the supreme sacrifice in
the Great War 1914-1918

Memorial Description:

Plaque 16 inches high x 24 inches wide set in an oak frame 9 inches wider (406mm x 608mm x 228mm).

The frame has a rounded top and fluted pillars at each side.

At centre top is the badge of the North Eastern Railway carved in half relief.

The plaque itself has a border of leaves.

Names are listed in two columns.

Lettering is in red and black Roman for the dedication and sans serif capitals for the names.

Names:

21 names, ranks and regiments.
See transcript.

Notes:

1. Monkwearmouth Goods Station staff are proud of the men who responded to the country’s call during the Great War. Out of a total of 258 men employed, 108 joined the colours, the department figures being: Clerks, 15 enlisted from a total of 78 employed in 1914; Carting Staff (Wages Grade): 28 our of 40; Operating Staff (Wages Grade), 70 out of 140.

2. A number of younger clerks were sent to other stations, and their places were filled by girls. Later, many of these youths enlisted and some fell in action. Their names, however, do not appear on the Monkwearmouth Roll of Honour, the names thereon being the men who actually enlisted from Monkwearmouth Goods Station.

3. Two members of staff gained military distinctions, viz: Clerk A. Beadnell, Military Medal for getting into communication with a regiment under shell fire at Arras, 1917, and Goods Porter H. Sandall, now acting shunter, Military Medal for carrying despatches at Ypres, 1917, under heavy shell fire.

Sources:

Photos: C. Sanders; James Pasby

Illustrated Chronicle
26/09/1923 reports unveiling with photos.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
29/09/1923 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
26/09/1923 reports unveiling.

North Eastern Railway Magazine
(undated) reports unveiling with information in Notes 1-3 above.