Stone and Anti-Tank Gun Wakenshaw V.C. 1942 Castle grounds

In the courtyard of Brancepeth Castle.

The 2 pounder Anti-Tank gun is on display at The Story Durham (2024)

Stone see note 6 below.

1939-45

Stone

Pte. Adam Wakenshaw, V.C.
9th Bn The Durham L.I.
died firing this gun after making his heroic stand
at Mersa Matruh on 27th June 1942
Faithfull

Stone, rough hewn.

At centre top is the badge of the D.L.I.

The lettering is carved using sans serif capitals throughout.

1. The gun was in Brancepath Castle, then the Durham Memorial Garden before being moved to the D.L.I. Museum at Durham, in an exhibition featuring Private Wakenshaw. Now located at the ‘Story’.

2. The castle was at one time the D.L.I. Regimental depot, and the stone and the gun were the gate guard.

3. The inscription reads “Faithfull”.  D.L.I. inscriptions usually use “Faithful”, which is the Regimental motto.

4.  The Durham Bugle September 2000:
Adam Wakenshaw VC actions continue to command interest It has recently been reported that Gordon Dike of Neville’s Cross who is a music teacher and composer was inspired to write a stirring seven minute long orchestral piece after visiting the D.L.I. Museum with his father who is a war veteran and seeing the gun and learning about Wakenshaw’s great bravery. The music called “The Ultimate Sacrifice” was played by the Durham County Youth Orchestra for the first time at The Edinburgh Festival.

5. See Adam Wakenshaw’s  Every Name a Story entry.

6. The Memorial stone is still at the Castle next to the Chapel entrance.

Photograph of stone and gun: Brancepeth Archive and History Group: stone;
Ralph A. Gould; Brancepeth Archives and History Group; photos of gun: John and Mavis Dixon; James Pasby

The Durham Bugle
Issue 1 September 2000 reports orchestral piece of music

Ralph A. Gould;
John and Mavis Dixon;
Durham Light Infantry Collection;
Brancepeth Archive and History Group

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