Peter Mann speaks to the families of DLI veterans who were awarded the Victoria Cross…
The decision from Durham County Council to close the DLI Museum has caused mass uproar not only across the region, but amongst war veterans and within the families of those who received the Victoria Cross.
Steve Howell, the Head of Culture and Sport at Durham County Council insists, “We are looking to keep the legacies and the stories of this great collection going.
“The medals and other military paraphernalia will be on display at the Palace Green Library and private viewings can be requested on what we hope will be an improved service for the people; but it’s not about the building, it is about the people and those stories and legacies that we can focus on.” Regardless, there remains much opposition, and the VC families are speaking out.
The Wakenshaws, the Youngs and the Heavisides have all categorically spoken of their disgust at such a decision being made without their prior knowledge.
Pte Adam Wakenshaw, whose name lives on through his Great Grandson, Adam, was awarded the VC for his actions in June 1942, where he and several of his comrades were killed in action in Mersa Matruh, Egypt, over what has become colloquially known as ‘The Wakenshaw Gun.’
The Wakenshaw descendants only have the museum to honour their fallen relative (Pte Wakenshaw is buried in Egypt) and, speaking of his ‘hurt and disgust’ at the Council’s decision, Mark Wakenshaw, 47, said: “We will be speaking with the DLI Trustees as the VC is on loan so long as it is on permanent display, and our view is that is where it needs to be, along with the rest of the exhibition.
“My father is visibly upset about all this, and although people may have spoken to my Aunt, she is not the head of the family. They (Durham County Council) have not spoken with my father and, as he is still alive, remains the head of the family.
“I believe this to be a half-hearted movement on behalf of the council and, although I’m all for change, everything in there needs to stay together, for it’s starting to feel like they are getting rid of a lot of social history. They should be treating this with respect, and it’s even more insulting and poignant as to the timing of it all.”
The Young family, for whom Pte Thomas Young was awarded the VC for his services under fire in Bucquoy, France, in March 1918, has a memorial which can be seen in the grounds of High Spen Primary School and a statue in South Shields Town Hall.
His great, great nephew, Grant Young, said: “We are not happy with what has happened and feel that that the heritage and history of the DLI will now fade out and disappear in time.
“Everything, to me, is being systematically destroyed. Something needs to be done, and for them to say they have contacted families of VC recipients is just wrong, for with us the family line dies out with me and I’ve had no contact from them at all. Neither has any other family member for that matter.
“I think it’s all been decided behind closed doors, and it’s not a great situation. None of this is and I’d rather just take back our VC.”
As for Pte Michael Heaviside, who was born on Station Lane in Gilesgate, he was awarded the VC when on the Hindenburg line near Fontaine-les-Croisilles, France, in May 1917. As with those before him, Pte Heaviside performed above and beyond the call of duty, and in doing so almost certainly saved the lives of others in what was described as a ‘most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty’. Following the war, he returned to life as a miner in nearby Craghead.
Alan Heaviside, a surviving relative of Pte Heaviside, added: “The VC was presented to the DLI Museum for permanent display, not semi-permanent or to go into storage as they are suggesting.
“The whole family would agree that it should be on permanent display, and I do believe that there’s some sort of ulterior motive behind it all, and to do this in the run up to the Remembrance Day service is just wrong.”
The future of the DLI Museum is one that could change in an instant, and for those directly affected, it’s a battle that they are more than happy to fight. With the 18,000+ strong ‘Save the DLI Museum’ campaign causing a stir, the veterans have a voice, just as the near 6,000 signatures on the petition suggests.
As Montgomery of Alamein said of the DLI: “There may be some Regiments as good, but I know of none better.”
Click here to visit the Save The DLI Museum website.
