War memories set in stone
TODAY is Armistice Day. It’s 99 years since World War I came to its bloody end. Next year marks the centenary of the conclusion of that most brutal of conflicts.
The flower of a generation was lost in scenes of slaughter unimaginable to us in 2017.
The war sparked tales of tragedy, horror and sorrow, but also stories of bravery and inspiration.
The servicemen of the North East played a major part in that momentous four years of conflict.
In the wake of the Great War, as it was known then, memorials were erected in villages, towns and cities across the land commemorating the sacrifice of those who cheerfully marched off to war, but never came back. that part of town.
‘Non sibi sed patriae’ runs the Latin inscription beneath the bronze marching men on the granite memorial. It translates as ‘not self, but country’.
The Response, 1914, was a gift to the city of Newcastle by Sir George Renwick, a local shipowner and MP for Morpeth.
It was unveiled by the Prince of Wales - the future King Edward VIII - as thousands looked on during memorable scenes on Tyneside in July, 1923.
Our striking main image shows the thousands who flocked to the unveiling, five years after the war ended. The memorial was restored and rededicated 10 years ago.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them...”