Shotton Colliery War Memorial

When driving in the Shotton Colliery area, you may have seen this pleasing memorial. It has an indicative look especially when you are queuing to turn at the junction of Front Street and Station Road. Those few moments can be spent in reverence.

The memotial was to commemorate the First World War and the 152 who lost their lives. Shotton Colliery workmen paid for the memorial and was unveiled in 1921 by Lieutenant Colonel J.M. Longden of Durham Light Infantry. It was also to further commemorate The Second World War and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963 -1966)

The gardens which contain the memorial are nicely enclosed with wrought iron work..

It was laid out by Horden Collieries Ltd and the Parish Council now maintains it. There is a nice mossy grass area with a meandering path with silver Birch Trees. A newish bench under a shelter at the back encourages a touch of solace.

The Durham Light Infantry Soldier has a look of repose. He is resting his rifle. When you look round the back of him, it looks like there is a tree stump? I wonder what this is for.

There are two marble plaques in the shelter which add poignancy. Private Thomas Griffiths of The Durham Light Infantry died in action in Borneo 1966. Sadly he was only 20 years old. He was the last person to die on active duty for The DLI.

A service is held here on Remembrance Sunday and many attend.