The poignancy of war memorials

I was standing on the bowls green playing a friendly match against another club in our hometown. In between times when we were not required to do anything but watch what was going on, I got into conversation with one of the elderly bowlers from the opposition team.

The war memorial in our home town.
Private Coulson's name is on the bottom of the plaque behind the memorial

I have no idea how the conversation started but he told me about his National Service in Suez in the 1950’s. I always enjoy listening to the older generation tell of the events of their lives – it’s living history. He related to me how upset he had been that one of his fellow soldiers and mates who had died fighting in this conflict had not had his name added to the war memorial in the centre of our town.

He was so incensed by this injustice that he had petitioned the British Legion who look after the war memorials in UK to have his fellow soldiers’ name added to the memorial. He was delighted when they agreed and urged me to go and look when next I was in town. Sure enough there was Private R Coulson Suez 1953. This brave soldier had been given a special plaque at the bottom of the main list of names.  

It was this conversation and subsequent visit to the war memorial in our hometown that led to a sub plot in my book Nick North: War Zone. Leone’s great grandfather had survived the First World War but was severely damaged by what is now known as Combat Stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but was in those days called Shell Shock. He had done a terrible thing and as a result his very good mate, Harry Dodds’ good name had been so dragged through the mud that it was not included on the war memorial even though he had been killed on active service.

Part of the putting wrongs right process was to have Harry Dodds’ name added to the monument in their hometown.

‘I still think it needs putting right. You said yourself his name isn’t on the war memorial. That’s wrong.’  The stubborn look on Leone’s face meant the matter was not going to be brushed under the carpet.  

‘All them soldiers is dead now.  It’s in the past. Let’s leave it alone.’

‘No Granddad.  That’s not right. We need to tell someone.’

‘O, Leone.  I’m too old now.’

‘I agree, Mr Cartwright. We ought to do something. Who could we contact?  Government, the solders’ regiment or what?’

‘Aye it was the Northumberland Fusiliers.  I could write to them I suppose or the Royal British Legion. I think they do the war memorials.  Let me think about it lass.’

‘Alright, Granddad.’ She leaned forward and kissed his wrinkled cheek. 

* * *

Nick pulled the other letter out of the envelope. It was from the Royal British Legion.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for informing the Legion about the circumstances surrounding the death of Private Harry Dodd in 1916. We have contacted the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers who confirm that you have been in touch with them.

Following their advice …. you will be glad to know that we will be adding Private Harry Dodd’s name to the war memorial in Burradon as soon as possible.

Extracts from Nick North: War Zone