Merchant Memorial in the north east of england

[dave moore]

Does anyone know of a memorial in the north east ,the reason I ask is that during the two worlds there was 1000s of seaman who lost their lives at seafront there .

[John Arton]

Dave
Take a trip to south Shields and go down the Mill Dam. Opposite the Customs House theatre there is a memorial statue to all Merchant seamen and fisherman lost at sea, both in wartime and peacetime. Whilst there visit the beautiful chapel in the seaman's mission where the walls have many plaques commerating local seamen along with a number of memorial books.
Rgds
J.A.

[j.sabourn]

If there is a memorial the most likely place would be in the South Shields area. Nearly every family there lost someone or knew someone who went to sea. The statistics I believe show that a large percentage. of. Losses were by those sailing out of Shields. A large percentage of lascar seamen and firemen also made Shields their home. Cappy being a true blue sand dancer may know. Maybe there is something around the Marsden area. Thanks John , the number of times been in those places mentioned and never really noticed. Must have had my mind on the Mechanics all the time. Cheers JWS.

[Keith at Tregenna]

The Merchant Navy Memorial

Located at the Mill Dam, next to The Customs House the bronze and yellow ashlar monument depicts a sailor at the wheel on a sloping base to give the impression of what it is like to stand on a ship's deck in a choppy sea. Overlooking the Tyne the statue was unveiled by the Duchess of Mountbatten, widow of distinguished naval commander, Lord Louis Mountbatten in memory of the merchant seamen who sailed from South Shields Port and lost their lives in World War II.

South Shields, Mill Dam, 'Merchant Navy Memorial' | sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk

[dave moore]

Thanks John,will certainly pay a visit in the near future, Regards DAVE.

[Fouro]

This is the same memorial described in #4 by Keith.

https://goo.gl/images/TSVCyM

Regards from,
Fouro.

[Aodan Peacock]

Thank You for this. My father, Richard Peacock, served on the New York -Liverpool run on Port-Line ships for the duration of the war. He was from Tyne Dock. My brother Richard and I were born while he was away. We don't know the history except that he was torpedoed at least twice. One such time was the Port Hardy off the coast of Iceland. That it all I know. How can I obtain more detail?

[j.sabourn]

If he was from Tyne dock chances are he would have worked though the North Shields or South Shields. shipping Federation. The North Shields federation closed down about 1954 and the South Shields one about the late 80s or early 90s. There are the those on site who know. Where they can go to regain the information these pools would have had. If you have his discharge book number it ould help to identify him . Cheers JS..

[cappy]

Thank You for this. My father, Richard Peacock, served on the New York -Liverpool run on Port-Line ships for the duration of the war. He was from Tyne Dock. My brother Richard and I were born while he was away. We don't know the history except that he was torpedoed at least twice. One such time was the Port Hardy off the coast of Iceland. That it all I know. How can I obtain more detail?

...hello aodan did your old man work for the coop after the war ...in south shields and had a horse called boxer stabled opposite the town hall in shields ...if so i new him in the early 50s ........as for the MN statue at the mill dam .....i was suprised that the merchantman was shown wearing a woolen watch cap ......i never saw this on any ship out of shields as flat caps were the rig of the day ....plus he is wearing what appears to be a pair of wellies ...definetely not sea boots ......but then probably organised by some guy who was never further than the shields ferry .....nice to see your back safely JWS ...i have been up .shields with grandkids ...fine weather and all ...regards to gwen ...good to see you both best wishes cappy

[Keith Tindell]

And nice to see you back on board Cappy, hope you enjoyed your shore leave, kt