Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, was joined by pupils from Lemington Riverside and Waverley Primary Schools this morning (13th June) for a World War One-related visit to Lemington Cemetery on Union Hall Road.
Organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the visit took place as part of the 100th anniversary commemorations of the First World War’s outbreak. With 25 World War One graves situated in the cemetery, it helped to bring home to Catherine, pupils and school staff the local impact of the war on areas like Lemington.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains the graves of the 1.7million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two World Wars, operating in over 23,000 locations in 153 countries across the world. More than 300,000 Commonwealth servicemen and women are commemorated in 13,000 different locations throughout the UK. Many died in military hospitals whilst being treated for their wounds or fell victim to the flu pandemic as the conflict drew to a close.
During their Lemington visit, the group heard from CWGC Regional Supervisor, Stephen Liversage, about the Commission’s work before receiving a tour of the cemetery. The pupils had the honour of helping Stephen to inspect some of the war graves, as CWGC officers do on a regular basis across the world.
Other World War One graves in Catherine’s Newcastle North constituency can be found at St Matthew’s Churchyard, Dinnington (1); St Nicholas’ Churchyard, Gosforth (38); St Michael’s Churchyard, Newburn (4); and St John’s Churchyard, Whorlton (3).
Catherine said:
‘This morning’s visit was incredibly powerful, and really helped bring home to us all the very real and devastating impact of World War One on small communities like Lemington.
‘It was fascinating to hear about the important work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in helping to ensure that those men and women who gave their lives, so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do today, are never forgotten.’
Stephen Liversage (CWGC) said:
‘There are Commonwealth War Graves in every part of the UK that are just as a worthy of a visit as those in Belgium and France.
‘It has been so encouraging to see the local schools’ and Catherine’s involvement here today, understanding the significance of those graves, the impact of World Wars and the ongoing importance of remembrance.’
Lemington Riverside Headteacher, Susan Hall, said:
‘It was a very moving experience for the children to see the graves. Our whole school will be focussing on World War One during the week commencing 7th July, when members of the Lemington Local History Group will be displaying First World War memorabilia in our school. We will also be participating in the World War One-themed Lemington Festival taking place on Saturday 12th July.’
Waverley Primary Headteacher, Mark Outterside, said:
‘It is important that our pupils understand the significance of the sacrifice made by those who fell in the Great War. As Catherine visits Lemington Cemetery with pupils from our schools, we also have young people from the Outer West Learning Trust in Flanders at the sites of the Great War. Pupils from Waverley and Newburn Manor will also be remembering soldiers of the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Durham Light Infantry who fought on the Western front, at the Menin Gate memorial and Tyne Cot cemetery.’