Burradon Primary Schools Honours its Former Pupils

2006 November

The teachers, pupils and governors of Burradon Primary School gathered to honour the memory of the 26 former pupils who died serving their Country during the Great War of 1914-1918.

A plaque bearing the names of the fallen pupils which was displayed in the former primary school was transferred to the new village school which the children and staff occupied following the Easter holidays.

Name and Regiment

Private Robert H Allen, WY

Private Thomas Allen, Northumberland Fusiliers

Gunner Ezekial Atkins, Royal Field Artillery

Private Thos Cowans, Royal Garrison Artillery

Private Amos Curry, Northumberland Fusiliers

Corporal Jonathan, A N Dixon Royal Engineers

Private G Gascoigne, Coldstream Guards

Private J W Gascoine, SAI

Lance Corporal Jos Gibson, Northumberland Fusiliers

Driver Robert Gray, Royal Field Artillery

Private George Hunter, WY

Private George Hunter, Northumberland Fusiliers

Sergeant R T Hartley, Northumberland Fusiliers

Private J R Hewitt, South Staffordshire Regiment

Private A Johnson, Northumberland Fusiliers

Private John Littlefair, Northumberland Fusiliers

Private John T Melvin, RIF

Private Arthur T Moat, Welsh Fusiliers

Private B Robinson, YR

Private Alan Stoves, Northumberland Fusiliers

Sergeant W A Scott, Durham Light Infantry

Gunner Thos Taylor, Royal Navy

Sergeant W Taylor, Northumberland Fusiliers

Gunner N Thompson, Royal Field Artillery

Corporal Arthur Wilson, Northumberland Fusiliers

The official rededication ceremony was also attended by the Rt Hon Stephen Byers MP, John Harrison Mayor of North Tyneside and Jim Allan Deputy Mayor and Ward Councillor. Jim Conway Ward Councillor and veteran of the Second World War also attended, together with Councillor Jayne Shotton.

Veterans representing the Durham Light Infantry, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and the Royal British Legion attended the ceremony which made the occasion even more poignant. There was also an array of Regimental Standards on display which was a remarkable sight for the children.

A lone bugler played the last post as the children recited the names of the 26 men and it was an extremely emotional moment.

The nature of the ceremony reflected Burradon Primary School’s commitment to preserving the village’s history for the future generations of children who will be educated at the school.

Mr Gifillan, Headmaster of Burradon Primary School stated,” The message is the sacrifice of the 26 and the thousands like them which has ensured we have the freedoms we have today. The horrors of the war still echo down the generations because nearly every family suffered a loss. It is a nice way for the children to remember, indeed it is essential that these men are not forgotten even though the war was a very long time ago. Our ceremony coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.”

Local resident Major Bill Campbell, British Legion deserves special recognition for organising the ceremony. We are also particularly grateful to the veterans who attended which has ensured the children will remember the occasion with fond memories.

The plaque will be displayed with the Scroll dedicated to the 76 victims of the 1860 disaster at Burradon Colliery.