The Fascinating Story of a First World Conflict Hero – Consett Journal

The fascinating story of a First World Conflict hero can be informed at a particular occasion in County Durham this month.

Durham County Council’s Gypsy, Roma, Traveller (GRT) service; Neighborhood Cohesion; and Safer Communities groups can be internet hosting an occasion with the authority’s Durham County Report Workplace to rejoice the numerous contribution of John ‘Jack’ Cunningham – the primary Romany Gypsy to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Enlisting in September 1914 with the three^rd Hull Battalion, later often called the 12^th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, John was deployed abroad and served in Egypt earlier than being despatched to the Western Entrance in March 1916.

He was a part of a bombing part which had captured an enemy entrance trench, however was met with robust opposition. As the one man not killed or injured, John collected the bombs from his fallen comrades and went on alone, defeating a troop of ten German troopers and clearing the ditch as much as the brand new British line.

For his gallant motion, John was awarded the Victoria Cross from King George V at a ceremony in Hyde Park, and on his return house to Hull was greeted on the station by crowds and a band, which had heard of his heroics and carried him in a parade to his dad and mom’ house which had been embellished by flowers.

John continued to serve till 1918, the place he was wounded and retired from lively service.

The Jack Cunningham Exhibition will happen at County Corridor on Wednesday 18 Could, from 1pm to 3pm, the place individuals can hear the complete story of John’s story.

Members will be capable of hear a chat on John’s participation within the warfare, which can even be broadcasted dwell on YouTube from 2pm to 3pm.

Folks can even have the prospect to view the Porrajmos Exhibition (the ‘Gypsy Holocaust’), which supplies an perception into the largely unknown story of the persecution and deaths of Roma and Sinti Gypsies by the hands of the Nazis throughout the Second World Conflict.

Between 1934 and 1945, it’s estimated that between 200,000 and two million Gypsies have been killed. The exhibition offers examples of some private tales of the lives of those that have been affected.

Cllr Alan Protect, Durham County Council’s Cupboard member for equality and inclusion, mentioned: “John Cunningham’s story is an interesting story of heroism, and we’re delighted to have the ability to host this occasion and share with individuals the braveness and willpower he confirmed all through his service.

“The occasion goals to lift consciousness of the optimistic contributions that Gypsies and Travellers made in respect of historic warfare efforts. It’s also necessary to focus on how the GRT neighborhood was affected by the warfare as all communities have been, with the tragic tales of persecution throughout the Second World Conflict.”

To precise an curiosity in attending the occasion, contact grtservice@durham.gov.uk. For these unable to attend, the discuss could be watched dwell at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VZnE_p95r4

For extra details about the council’s GRT service, go to www.durham.gov.uk/travellers