Today’s Shields Gazette has a couple of interesting items, each with a historical slant. The first concerns Veterans Day, which will be celebrated this Wednesday. The day aims to “highlight the role played by former members of the armed service”, and more than 250 events will be held across the country as part of a national celebration throughout the summer. Stephen Hepburn MP has pledged his support, and has also endorsed the announcement that the “Bevan Boys”, coal miners that worked across the country during the Second World War, will receive special honour. It is this piece of news that I am particularly glad to here about. A close friend of mine told me how his father had been a miner during the war and was not allowed to enlist due to the protected nature of his job. He tried on several occasions, even going to the degree of lying about his name and job; each time he was sent home. What was upsetting was that he and his wife received criticism and abuse from the local community because he was not in uniform and came home every night. An understandable sentiment in very troubled times, but none the less shortsighted and ignorant of the full issue. Similar tribulations were experienced by workers in the Tyne and Wear shipbuilding industry, with riveters, joiners and metal workers all restricted from joining up. However, it was the north east’s coal that kept industry going and it was naval ships that protected our convoys. Their honour is therefore long overdue, and should really have been rewarded long ago. Mr Hepburn has called for all veterans and Bevan Boys (plus any widows in receipt of a war widow’s pension) in his constituency to contact him directly so that he can make representations to the Ministry of Defence and obtain any outstanding veteran badges. David Miliband MP has also offered his support and assistance for his constituents. Well done to them both for highlighting this issue and offering their assistance.
The second item concerns an interesting submission on the letters page from a Gazette reader concerning the ship builder and industrialist Charles Mark Palmer. The author offers an alternative view to the mans perceived heritage and legacy. This debate has been triggered by the movement of Palmer’s statue earlier this month to Jarrow Riverside Park. The tone of the letter is clear “What did this man ever do for us?” and “Charles Mark Palmer sold out … and retired to the leafy lanes of Surrey”. Not a tribute to the industrialist, it goes on to accuse Palmer of selling out to National Shipbuilders Securities which then shut down the yard. It also mentions Ellen Wilkinson’s book “The Town That Was Murdered”, a classic account of north east industrial turmoil whatever your political stance. What stood out from the letter and what stimulated my interest was the scathing comment:
“He took the money and ran without a thought for those of his workers who had served him so loyally for years”
This is not the first time I have come across this view point, and never has a subject been more divided on class lines. Palmer took the money and ran, the workers were left destitute or Palmer took the money, cleared his debts and retired, the workers at least had enjoyed a period of good employment. You can see how the issue is perceived.
Without the likes of Palmer, the north east would not have been the richest region of the richest country in the world. Nor would the area be what it is today, with an industrial history rich in achievement and innovation. However, where would labour history also be without the workers who educated themselves, fought for health and safety protection and a fair wage for a fair days work? The two sides could not have existed without each other, so when I see coverage of Charles Mark Palmer, I don’t see a capitalist who deserted his workforce, nor do I see a man who on his own built an industry without any outside help.
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