Plaque South Africa 1899-1902 Town Hall

Mechanics Institute reading room

The Mess room of the 1st D.R.E.V. Drill Hall at Western Road

From 1904 at Town Hall, Grange Road Jarrow NE32 3LE

South Africa 1899-1902

First suggested July 1902 Mr R. Reavley (Mayor of Jarrow)

On display December 1903 at Mechanics Institute

Bronze

Public subscription

This tablet was erected by
the inhabitants of Jarrow
in appreciation of the pat-
riotism shewn by the two
service sections of the 1st
Durham Royal Engineer
Volunteers in responding
so readily to the nation’s
call to assist in the sup-
pression of the Boer in-
surrection in South Africa
1900 – 1903

Plaque 42 inches high x 48 inches wide (160cms x 121cmsm) set in a plain frame.

Atop it is a dragon raised in half relief.

Along the top of the main plaque is a carved border featuring a coat of arms at centre with ribbons on either side which bear the words “Labore et Scientia” (?Through hard work and skill”).

There is a carved border up each side.

Along the bottom is a raised carved border bearing the word “Ubique” (“Wherever”) three times.

The central panel has the dedication flanked by two outer panels which bear the names.

These have officers in a single column at the top, below a badge raised in half relief, followed by lists of sappers in two columns.

Lettering of the dedication is raised, the names are incised using Roman and elaborate capitals throughout.

1. “Ubique” (“Wherever”) was the motto of the Royal Artillery – See Kipling’s Poem “Ubique”.

Photos: Vin Mullen; James Pasby

Jarrow Express
26/07/1902 reports suggestion by Mayor
18/12/1903 reports plaque on display at Mechanic Institute

C. Sanders;
Vin Mullen

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