Plaque 1914-18 Park School

Whitley North School, Park Road, Marine Gardens, Whitley Bay. NE26 1LZ NZ 35247 72613

Marine Park First School, Park Road, Whitley Bay. NE26 1LT. NZ 35328 72635

1914-18

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,

Brass. Oak frame.

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.

Roll of Honour.

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”, 114 inches long x 90 inches high. (2.89m x 2.28m)

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.

1. The original school shared with Coquet Park First School was 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. McQuillen.

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.

7. The school was previously on a site across the road from the current location, which was shared with Coquet Park First School.

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.

Ralph W. Gould;
Mr. J. Birkett;
Dorothy Hall;
Kevin Milburn;
Tony Harding;
Diane, North Tyneside Libraries

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