Plaque 1914-18 St.Luke’s Chapel R.V.I.

Royal Victoria Infirmary. St. Luke’s Chapel.

1914-18

Unveiled 10th November 1921 by Dr. David Drummond, president of the British Medical Association;
dedicated by Bishop of Durham, Dr. Hensley Henson.

Light oak

Public subscription

To the
glory of God
and in
memory of
(names)
who fell in the
Great War
1914-1919

Plaque 48 inches high x 36 inches wide (122cms x 91cms).

It is surmounted by the surgeon’s symbol of a pole entwined by snakes, set in a laurel wreath, all gilded.

The two upper corners are surmounted by a gilded ball, which may well be globes, since this memorial strongly resembles the plaque in the Medical School NUT066.

The panel is engraved top and bottom, and there is a slight pediment up either side.

In each corner is a regimental badge, carved in half relief and gilded, as follows: (top left) Northumberland Fusiliers; (top right) Durham Light Infantry; (bottom left) Royal Field Artillery (?) (bottom right) Royal crest.

The central panel containing the names is outlined by beading which forms a rounded top, in which is the dedication.

The names are listed in two columns, the lettering incised and gilded, using Roman capitals.

The dates appear between the two badges at the bottom.

1. The names include 11 practitioners, members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, seven students and two porters.

2. This appears to have replaced a Roll of Honour which was reported in the Newcastle Journal of 09/10/1916: “Dedication of a Roll of Honour. At a special service in St.Luke’s Chapel at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, the Bishop of Newcastle, who was the preacher, dedicated an inscribed roll of honour, delicately executed, the gift of an anonymous friend. (transcript). The roll is the work of Mr. J.H. Binks, of Ford, and is chastely and ably done.” For the transcript see below.

Photo: R.W. Gould

Illustrated Chronicle
11/11/1921 reports unveiling with photos.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
11/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
12/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Northern Echo
11/11/1921 reports unveiling.

Tyne and Wear Archives
Ralph Hedley photo series. DT/RH/20-1-232

100 years of the RVI 1906-2006. Edited by John Walton and Miles Irving. Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals.

Ralph W. Gould;
James Pasby;
Dorothy Hall

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