Damaged First World War memorial at Middlesbrough church to be replaced a decade after it was stolen

A damaged war memorial is set to be replaced almost a decade after thieves ripped it from a church wall.

The bronze plaque was taken from All Saints Church on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough in 2007 by thieves who sold it for scrap.

It was recovered after staff at the European Metal Recycling company in the town discovered the tablet in one of their skips and called police.

But sadly the First World War memorial, commemorating the lives of local men from Gjers Mills ironworks, was badly damaged after as it had been heated and bent in half by the thieves.

Now it will be replaced following a £8,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery fund.

All Saints’ Father Glyn Holland said “We are delighted that after several years since the loss of the war memorial we are now able to remember those ironworkers and managers from the area that worked at Gjers Mills, answered their country’s call and sacrificed their lives during the First World War”.

The old memorial, which was damaged after it was stolen by thieves. Now it is to be replaced

The funding is part of the “They answered their Country’s Call” project running in the town.

It takes its name from text that appeared on the damaged memorial and will explore the impact of the First World War on Middlesbrough, its industries and churches.

The replacement of the war memorial is one of the highlights of the year-long scheme which will also include a programme of education activities and public events, a First World War Exhibition at the grade II* listed church, digitisation of historic material and repair work to the damaged original war memorial.

Middlesbrough Council, Teesside Archives, Teesside University student volunteers and William Lane Foundry, which has housed the damaged war memorial since it was recovered following an appeal, are working together to make the project possible.

Project Manager Tosh Warwick said: “The support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and local partners will ensure “They answered their Country’s Call” will help preserve the memories and heritage of the Middlesbrough people who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War”.

Ivor Crowther, of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond.

“We are enabling even more communities like those involved in “They answered their Country’s Call” to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

More information on the Project can be found at http://on.fb.me/1wxy4H1 or by contacting history@middlesbrough.gov.uk.