81 years in the making

This blog post is very overdue (but not as overdue as the subject). Feb 7th 2025 saw the culmination of a lot of work by a lot of people, when Rt Hon Rishi Sunak kindly unveiled a memorial to those who were killed in the Catterick Station Railway Explosion on 4 Feb 1944. While its something I have long suggested, and I was honoured to be asked to design the plaque, I'd like to thank Steve Irvine who's tireless efforts have been the major driving force behind getting the memorial organized and funded. Many thanks also for the cooperation from local councils and councillors, the representatives from the Armed Forces who attended and everyone who came along. I was particularly pleased that the daughter of lorry driver Mr John Weller, was able to attend from her home in Lincolnshire along with her Father's George Medal (Albert Medal at the time) - the highest award for civilian gallantry, awarded for his actions to save lives after the explosion.

Thanks finally to The Crown in Brompton-on-Swale for hosting us all afterwards.

Article from the Northern Echo: Link

If you want to read more about events that fateful day, see here: Link