VILLAGE HONOUR TO VICTORIA CROSS HERO WILLIAM
COMMEMORATIVE PAVING STONE FOR MURTON SOLDIER ON 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
A commemorative paving stone has been unveiled in a war hero’s home village 100 years after his “innumerable acts of gallantry” which saw him awarded the Victoria Cross.
William McNally, from Murton, near Seaham, was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his heroic efforts in northern Italy in October 1918.
And, exactly 100 years later, his bravery has been remembered and a touching tribute unveiled at Murton Village Green.
His daughter, Doreen Murley, travelled from Southampton with her daughter Alison Ashby and granddaughter Lauren Ashby for the occasion, which makes her so proud.
Despite the cold wet weather, villagers, veterans, servicemen and women and local dignitaries gathered to see the commemorative paving stone unveiled.
Doreen said: “It’s a really really proud day.
“To be honest, I really didn’t think I could make it because after all I’m 92, but my daughter said no matter what happens mum, you’re going to be there.
“It’s been a really nice turnout and I must say how grateful we are for everyone who made the effort on this very wet, cold day to be here.”
Between October 27 and 29 1918, the brave young sergeant William McNally seized German machine gun posts single handed, rushed enemy positions and exhibited leadership “beyond all praise”.
His VC citation, published in the London Gazette in December 1918, praised his “conspicuous bravery”.
It added: “Throughout the whole operations his innumerable acts of gallantry set a high exampled to his men, and his leading was beyond all praise.”
McNally received his VC from King George V in July 1919 and the following year, on Remembrance Day, he was included in the VC Guard of Honour for the interment of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
The commemorative stone unveiled at the weekend is one of seven presented to Durham County Council to honour the county’s VC heroes.
Murton Parish Council have led and funded the project, with support from Murton Heritage Society, Murton Welfare Association and East Durham Area Action Partnership.
Tom Pinkney, chairman of Murton Parish Council, said: “Knowing Murton was the home of someone who won a distinction as high as the Victoria Cross is a source of great pride in our village.
“I would like to say a special thank you to Murton Heritage Society who have worked so hard preparing the exhibition and revealing more details about the life of this extraordinary man.”
Alison Ashvy, William McNally’s granddaughter, said: “We are just so proud. We’re not local so we’ve come up from Southampton and the welcome we’ve had is over-
“It’s been a really nice turnout and we are so grateful ” DOREEN MURLEY
whelming.
“My mother has just been blown away by the response and we’re touched that so many people have come along today.”