As the anniversary of Victoria Cross hero Adam Wakenshaw’s remarkable act of bravery approaches, his grandson has spoken of his pride at seeing the anti-tank gun on which he sacrificed his life on display at a new North-East visitor attraction.
The Wakenshaw Gun now occupies a prominent position within the free exhibition space at The Story – Durham County Council’s new culture, heritage and registration venue on the outskirts of Durham City.
A treasured part of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection, the 2-pounder anti-tank gun serves as a symbol of Private Adam Herbert Wakenshaw’s sacrifice and provides a valuable insight into the DLI’s involvement in the Second World War.
Newcastle-born Private Wakenshaw, 28, was the last survivor of an anti-tank unit that came under fire from the enemy in Mersa Matruh, Egypt, on 27 June 1942.
Despite being seriously injured and losing part of his arm, he dragged himself back to the gun twice, managing to stave off the German attack before he was fatally wounded.
Private Wakenshaw’s bravery prevented the enemy from attacking a nearby infantry company, allowing them to withdraw to safety. Following his death, he was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that can be bestowed upon British and Commonwealth forces.
His grandson Mark Wakenshaw said: “We feel a great sense of pride as a family that the gun is now on display at The Story, and in such a picturesque position too. Mersa Matruh was a battle in the run up to El Alamein, where my granddad is buried. We have visited, but now we have somewhere closer to home where we can come to remember him. It’s like a gravestone for us.
“This is where the gun should be, a place where the wider public can come to learn about the sacrifices of the lads of the DLI so we can prevent what happened then from ever happening again.”
Great care was taken to move the Wakenshaw Gun from its former home at Sevenhills in Spennymoor to The Story ahead of its opening on Friday 14 June.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It is a great honour to have the Wakenshaw Gun on display at The Story.
“A key aim of this venue is to shine a light on the stories of everyday people whose heroic acts and remarkable achievements are truly humbling. Private Wakenshaw’s selfless act of gallantry is a prime example, and we are proud to be able to tell his tale as part of the permanent exhibition at The Story.”
Colonel Ted Shields MBE, chair of Trustees of the DLI, said: “The Wakenshaw Gun is an important part of the DLI Collection and we are delighted to see it on display in The Story, especially knowing how much it means to the family and the Regiment.
“The Wakenshaw Gun and the thousands of other objects in the DLI Collection and Archive connect us to those who served in the Regiment – whether they be family, friends or simply folk from the county who have gone before us.
“For those of us who did not serve in the DLI, The Story’s professional staff help us to understand what the artefacts and items represent and tell us. And, as we change over time, the way in which the DLI Collection and Archives are interpreted changes too.
“The Story allows this to happen and is an asset for County Durham and the wider region.”
Located in the recently restored and extended Grade II Listed Mount Oswald House, The Story is home to five historic collections of ancient archives and archaeological finds.
This includes six miles of archives covering 900 years of history and the entire DLI Collection and Archive.
Rather than providing a chronological history of County Durham, the free permanent exhibition explores different themes and features objects from all five collections.
Digital displays and audiovisual devices, along with an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions and outreach activities, are providing new ways for people to engage with the collection.
And, as the new home of the County Registration Service, The Story is a place for current and future generations to make and record their own milestones – whether that is registering a birth or getting married in one of the venue’s elegant ceremony rooms.
