Plaque unveiled during Remembrance week to commemorate Newton war heroes

Article date: 8 November 2023

After being discovered following the closure of the former Red Bank School, a new home has been found for the plaque which has the names of 13 former Red Bank teachers and pupils inscribed, along with the dates and locations of when and where they were killed in action, from Dunkirk and Normandy - to Egypt. 

Speaking at an unveiling ceremony in Newton-le-Willows Library where the plaque is now proudly on display in the archive room alongside other plaques of local historic significance, Deputy Leader of St Helens Borough Council and ward member for Newton-le-Willows East, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, said: 

"Red Bank School had an extensive history dating back to the late 1800s, with a number of teachers and pupils serving during the Second World War. 

"Once the school, had closed, there was nowhere to put the plaque and Newton-le-Willows Library has become sort of an unofficial home for misplaced plaques. So it's great that we can protect and display it for the public to see just in time for Remembrance Sunday, a time to reflect and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom - including these 13 remarkable individuals whose names will never be forgotten." 

Names displayed are as follows: L. Mountford, G.A. Richardson, C. Foster, J. Steele, H. Penistone, F. Lench, C. Thompson, T.W. Dyson, F. Sutcliffe, W.A. Grainger, C. Campbell, W/cdr J.H. Walker, P/O R.B. Shetliffe. 

More information, including burial locations, is available at Newton-le-Willows Library. 

For more information on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events taking place in the borough, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/9778/Events-planned-for-Remembrance-Sunday