A memorial honors those killed in the 1944 explosion at Gatherley Road near Catterick Bridge; unveiled by Rishi Sunak.
Local leaders, armed forces, residents, and kids attended the event to honor the memory of those affected. Councillor Shireen Rudge, Chair of the local Parish Council, opened the event. Her speech reflected on the memorial’s importance.
Councillor Rudge then asked Sunak to speak before he revealed the stone memorial. Sunak stated the memorial ensures lives are not forgotten and makes remembering those lives possible. He added that many died while planning Europe’s liberation, and their sacrifice was very noble.
Sunak laid a wreath for the twelve who died, six civilians and six servicemen. He thanked North Yorkshire Council for the stone and the Parish Council. The Garrison commander also placed a wreath on behalf of the armed forces. The Last Post played during a silent reflection.
Stephen Irvine, a veteran, led the project to honor the disaster victims. Peter Hodgson from the local history group helped design the memorial plaque. Irvine was surprised by the lack of awareness but felt the need to take action quickly.
Irvine now wants a memorial wall near the old station site as a place of remembrance. The explosion was a major wartime accident that occurred during munitions unloading when six trucks of grenades exploded.
Four soldiers died instantly, their remains found as fragments. Their names were Euan Jenkins, Lawrence King, David Hopkins and Norman Day. The blast destroyed buildings nearby, including the Railway Hotel and homes, and hurt 102 people.
The explosion could have been much worse as a petrol depot stayed intact nearby, as did a huge bomb in the goods yard. John Weller, a driver, bravely saved lives and got an award for it from King George VI.
Pauline Godfrey, Weller’s daughter, attended the event and said she felt great pride. The memorial is a tribute to the dead and reminds us of heroes like her dad. Councillor Rudge invited people for drinks afterward, giving them time to reflect more together.
The memorial will keep the disaster remembered for future generations in the area.