Plaque 1939-45 St. Mary

Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Front Street

1939-45

Stone

In grateful
memory of
(names)
who gave their
lives in the war
1939-1945

Plaque 60 inches high x 24inches wide (152cms x 61cms) with raised border.

At top edge is a chevron design in half relief.

At the bottom is a swirled pattern.

The names are listed on the main panel, with above each name a regimental badge (see Notes below) raised in half relief and painted in full colour.

There is a cross incised at the bottom.

The lettering is Roman capitals.

1. The badges are described as follows:
(a) H.M.S. Neptune, cruiser, launched 1933, sank in the Mediterranean 1941 with loss of 766 lives;
(b) H.M.S. Galatea, cruiser, launched 1934, sunk in the Mediterranean 1941 with loss of 470 lives;
(c) Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders;
(d) Royal Northumberland Fusiliers;
(e) R.A.F. for Aircraftsman 2nd Class Volunteer Reserve, who is buried in the local cemetery.
(f) Ship with seven oars intended to be Ulysses which represents the seven-man crew of a Lancaster bomber which sets sail when need arises. 626 squadron here, of Lancasters 1 and 111, was formed in 1943 at Wickenby in Lincolnshire and disbanded in 1945. The last three missions dropped supplies to the Dutch at Rotterdam, and brought back British Prisoners of War and British troops from Italy.

Photos: C. Sanders; Simon Raine; Kevin Richardson; John and Mavis Dixon

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
C. Sanders,
John and Mavis Dixon;
Kevin Richardson

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