DLI statue on display

[Mick D]

Hello,

This may be of interest to anyone in the Durham area, it is a large metal statue on display until late October at the Durham Johnston School. I'll try to upload the photographs I've just taken.

Mick

[Mick D]

first one -

[Mick D]

second one -

[David_Blanchard]

Thanks for sharing this, Mick

David

[Mick D]

It is a 15 ft tall weathered steel statue inspired by Pte. Michael Duffy who died 7 June 1917 on the Messines Ridge. it is an impressive sight, made by Ray Lonsdale.

I almost forgot, it is called "The last cigarette"

Mick

[spconnolly007]

Thanks Mick, one of my relatives died there on the same day. Any chance of e-mailing me a photo if I PM you? 9 hour round trip for me otherwise

Cheers,

Sean.

[Mick D]

Sean,

No problem at all, just pm me your email, It should be easier than the trial I was put through to post the above images !

Mick

[spconnolly007]

Thanks, PM on its way.

Regards,

Sean.

[Mick D]

Here is an external link and a photograph of the sculptor to give it some scale.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/northdurham/peterlee/10597773.Huge_war_sculpture_in_need_of_a_home/

Mick

[Mick D]

Pte. Duffy has 2 photographs in John Sheen's book - WEARSIDE BATTALION the 20th service battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. (pages 65 & 100)

Mick

[spconnolly007]

to give it some scale.

Mick

He certainly is a big lad

[Mick D]

Just a typical Durham lad

Mick

[Guest Osulli]

I teach History at Durham Johnston and we were very excited about hosting the statue.The response from our students was very positive and it was excellent to use Michael Duffy's story in History lessons. It is a shame that the statue couldn't stay on public display; the DLI museum being the obvious home.