Memorial

Plaque Wakenshaw V.C. 1942 Lawson V.C. 1897 Road Junction

Newcastle upon Tyne

Memorial Name: Plaque Wakenshaw V.C. 1942 Lawson V.C. 1897 Road Junction (NUT157)

NEWMP Ref No.: NUT157

Parish: Newcastle upon Tyne

Original Location:

Wakenshaw V.C. Junction. St.James’ Boulevard / Westmorland Road.

Which War:

a. 1939-45
b. India, 1897

Materials Used:

Brass on concrete.

Inscription:

This plaque commemorates Adam Wakenshaw
VC and Edward Lawson VC, both former local
residents who were awarded the Victoria Cross
for their conspicuous gallantry, self-sacrifice and
courageous devotion to duty.

Adam Wakenshaw VC lived nearby in Duke Street. On 27th June
1942, whilst serving with the Durham Light Infantry, he gave his
life at Mersa Metruh, in the North African Desert, saving his fellow
soldiers. He was the only citizen of Newcastle upon Tyne to
receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War.

Edward Lawson VC was born at 87 Blandford Street. On 10th
October 1897, whilst serving with the Gordon Highlanders, he won
the Victoria Cross rescuing fellow soldiers under heavy fire at
Dargai Heights, India.

Memorial Description:

Road junction on new highway running through the town.

In one corner is a small paved area.

In this is a low sloping concrete plinth bearing a plaque of brass.

This has a simple raised border.

The plaque is enamelled black with the lettering raised and burnished.

The V.C. medal is raised in the top right hand corner.

Names:

See above

Notes:

1. See Adam Wakenshaw’s Every Name A Story entry

2. See Edward Lawson’s Every Name a Story entry

Sources:

Photos: Janet Brown; James Pasby

Remember When Heroes and Villains supplement to the Evening Chronicle 15/02/2000 carried a double page feature with photos telling the story.

Beyond Praise: The Durham Light Infantrymen who were awarded the Victoria Cross; Stephen D. Shannon; County Durham Books, 1998; ISBN 1 897585 44 6

The Complete Victoria Cross : A full chronological record of all holders of Britain’s highest award for Gallantry: Kevin Brazier; 2011; Pen and Sword Books; ISBN 1 84884150 7 page 161 has entry on Private Lawson; page 317 has entry on Private Wakenshaw.