Memorials - Bamber Bridge - Corporal John McNamara V.C. Plaque
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Old Mill Industrial Estate, Bamber Bridge. PR5 6QE OS Grid Reference: SD 56721 26910 IWM War Memorial Register - Not on site (3 May 2017) War Memorials Online - Not on site (3 May 2017) One of the latest local memorials to be constructed, this plaque commemorates the life of Corporal John McNamara V.C. and was unveiled on the anniversary of the action that won him the highest honour.
Cpl JOHN McNAMARA V.C.
(1887 - 1918) 9th Bn. The East Surrey Regt. "The Gallants" was born, lived and worked in this community LANCASHIRE ENTERPRISES. 1997 Villagers honour VC hero with memorial.
Plaque ceremony marks anniversary of local man's bravery in war. By MARIA GEARING Photo caption: IN MEMORY: Head boy and head girl of Brownedge St. Mary's School, Bamber Bridge, Christopher Kayley and Laura Doyle unveil the memorial plaque of Corporal John McNamara V.C. in School Lane, Bamber Bridge THE BRAVERY of a Lancashire war hero has been honoured in a touching ceremony in his home town. A plaque in memory of Corporal John McNamara, who won a Victoria Cross in the Great War, was unveiled in Bamber Bridge, near Preston. Cpl McNamara was born in Mill Street, Bamber Bridge, in 1887. He earned his Victoria Cross on September 3, 1918, while serving in the 9th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. While near Lens in France, he protected a captured enemy post on the frontline which was under enemy attack by encouraging his troops to maintain gunfire until reinforcements arrived. The plaque marking his life was unveiled on the 79th anniversary of his heroic action. More than 20 members of his family were invited to the ceremony at the entrance to the Old Mill estate in School Lane, Bamber Bridge, along with council leaders and regimental officers. The plaque was designed by Lancashire County Councillor Tom Sharrat (my note: also a retired Guardian journalist). He paid tribute to Cpl McNamara and his bravery on the field of battle. Courage Coun Sharratt said: "He displayed magnificent courage and determination. Sadly he never knew he had won Great Britain's highest award for gallantry as he was killed, aged 30, less than a month before the Armistice." LANCASHIRE EVENING POST, 4 SEPTEMBER, 1997. |
The John McNamara memorial plaque
All Images © Charles O'Donnell 2017 |
