VILLAGERS are being asked for their views on plans to add a missing name to a war memorial which is also in line for a revamp.
Because the memorial in the centre of Middleton is grade II-listed, people need to be consulted before any changes are made.
The parish council is proposing to replace the post and chain boundary with posts and railings.
The name of Sgt Arthur Cave McBay may also be added to the list of those who have made the ultimate sacrice in wartime. He was born in Middleton-in-Teesdale in 1916, the son of William McBay and his wife, Sarah Annie (nee Watson).
William worked for Argentinian Railways after the family moved to South America. However, they regularly visited Middleton, presumably to see family.
Arthur returned to the UK in 1940 to join the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He served as a wireless operator/air gunner but was killed on February 26, 1943, when his plane was shot down over Nazi Germany.
Judith Mashiter, parish clerk, said: “As far as research has revealed, Arthur is not commemorated by name on any war memorial in the UK and a member of his family contacted the parish council to see if it would be possible to add Arthur’s name to the war memorial in his birthplace.
“There is adequate space on the panel bearing the names of the Second World War fallen to add Arthur’s name without affecting the layout of the other names and adding his name would have no effect on the nature of the memorial.
“The parish council would also appreciate any light which can be shed on the background to two of three people named on the memorial as having ‘died as a result of war service’ — J W (Joseph William?) Anderson and J W (possibly Joseph) Collinson.”
People can comment on the proposals by contacting the parish council by emailing [email protected] or writing to clerk, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council, Moor Edge, Snaisgill, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham DL12 0RP by October 15.
Anyone objecting is asked to give their reasons.
