World War I heroes who won VC to be honoured at services
THE centenary of the end of World War I is approaching.
This Sunday will see the community of High Spen, Gateshead, gather in the village to remember and celebrate the achievements of two heroes of the conflict who received the highest honour the country can bestow.
Private Thomas Young and Corporal William Dobson were awarded the Victoria Cross for venturing into ‘no man’s land’ and risking their own lives to rescue injured comrades. Dobson was awarded the medal in 1914, and Young in 1918.
Children from High Spen Primary School will perform a reconstruction of the events in 1914 and 1918 that led to both men being awarded the VC.
Wearing period costume and carrying military props, they will also sing songs from the war accompanied by Dunston Silver Band.
Headteacher Andrew Firth said: “This is a fantastic project and the whole school is involved. The children have been moved by the appalling conditions that many of the soldiers fought and died in and their acts of heroism and selfsacrifice.”
A memorial sculpture to the men’s achievements, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was erected at the primary school in 2007.
High Spen Community Group is also involved with the commemorations. Two ‘Blue Plaques’ marking the heroes’ connection with the village will be unveiled during the celebrations, and a local resident has obtained commemorative benches that will be installed in the village. Interpretation boards will be located in the village telling the stories of the ‘High Spen Heroes’.
John Bell, chair of High Spen Community Group, said: “Some local people know of these men but very few actually know their stories or have been actively involved in celebrating their achievements.
“We see this project as an opportunity to support local people and their families in ways that will involve them in creating an enduring legacy to these men in the village.”
On Monday, November 12 ,veterans from the Durham Light Infantry will visit the village for a second performance by the children.
Wreaths will be laid at the memorial to the two men and a two-minutes silence will be observed.
■■The services take place at High Spen Primary School, Hugar Road. The Sunday, November 4 event takes place at 11am, the Monday, November 12 event at 10.30am. The public is welcome to attend.