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Washington War Heroes
Washington War Heroes
Corporal Matthew Docherty M.M.
Soldier, POW and War Hero
( WW2 )
Corporal Docherty, a former Washington Coal Miner from Hertburn Gardens, served with
the Royal Tank Corps in Italy. Matthew was awarded his Military Medal for saving a man's life. See Paragraph 'OXYGEN' below.
Newcastle Journal - 17 Feb 1945
Sunday Sun - 18 Feb 1945
Washington's Matthew Docherty
( Holder of The Military Medal )
later, a Fireman with Gateshead Fire Brigade
A former Washington Fireman told me, “ Matthew Docherty worked at Dryden Road Fire Station
in Gateshead as a civilian Clerk after being injured during active Fire Service.
While still in the Brigade he used to run a keep fit class.
I had no idea of his exploits during WW2. ”
Modest as well as Heroic!
{ Jim }
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Images: Courtesy of Washington History Society
Washington's Matthew Docherty M.M.
Citation for Military Medal
( 1944 )
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MILITARY MEDAL
include Corporals Beeson, Docherty & Rowles.
Corporal Beeson
Corporal Docherty & Corporal Rowles
• • ◊ • •
Citation Documents: Courtesy of Washington History Society
( National Archives Reference: WO373/96/514 )
Sergeant Robert Durham D.F.M.
Navigator, Air Pilot and War Hero.
( 1912 - 1943 )
Sunderland Echo - 26 Sept 1942
Warrant Officer Robert Durham
Air Pilot and War Hero
( 1943 )
RAF Memorial Records
Images: Courtesy of Washington History Society
Wing Commander Roland Gustave Kellett D.F.C.
Previously, Squadron Leader Kellett
( WW2 )
Born in Eldon, County Durham, his father and brother, Matthew Henry Kellett and Alfred Henry Kellett,
were directors of the Washington Coal Company. Roland survived the war and died in 1998.
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Wing Commander Roland G. Kellett D.F.M.
Flight Sergeant Roland C. Glew
Sergeant Robert Durham
( 1943 )
Evening Chronicle - 19 June 1943
[ This press cutting erroneously refers to Wing Commander Kellett as a Washington man. ]
Images: Courtesy of Washington History Society
Flight Sergeant Roland Corner Glew D.F.M.
Previously a 1st Washington Boy Scout
( 1942 )
Evening Chronicle - 2 September 1942
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Flight Sergeant Roland Corner Glew D.F.M.
RAF Records
Images: Courtesy of Washington History Society
Sammy Lowden
HMS Ark Royal - Torpedo Man
HMS ARK ROYAL
HMS ARK ROYAL SINKING
HMS Ark Royal was torpedoed by U-Boat 81 on 13th November 1941. It sank the following day.
One member of the ship's crew lost his life: Able Seaman Edward Mitchell.
[ Press Cutting: Thanks to Washington History Society ]
Press Cutting: Courtesy of Washington History Society