William McNally VC

Sergeant William McNally's Victoria Cross paving stone, image courtesy of John Attle

Saturday 27 October 2018 will see Murton honouring its Victoria Cross hero, Sergeant William McNally, just as they did 100 years ago. A commemorative paving stone will be unveiled on Murton village green, with villagers, veterans, servicemen and women, local dignitaries and members of McNally's family coming together to pay tribute.

The ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph at 11am on Saturday, 27 October, and will be followed by a free exhibition about McNally at the Glebe Centre on Sunday, 28 October, and Monday, 29 October, from 10am to 4pm. Murton Parish Council have led and funded the project, with support from Murton Heritage Society, Murton Welfare Association and East Durham Area Action Partnership. 

On 27 December 1918, the Newcastle Journal ran an article describing the ‘enthusiastic reception’ given by Murton to Sergeant William McNally as he was on leave before visiting Buckingham Palace to receive his Victoria Cross from the King.

“The entire population turning out to do him honour. Murton is very proud of her soldier sons, and not without just reason, for 1300 local lads have joined the colours during the war. Of these, nearly 200 have paid the supreme sacrifice, and 40 distinctions have been won in the field, including a VC, DCMs, and other honours. 

Sergeant McNally who is 24 years of age, was born at Murton, and previous to enlisting was a putter at the colliery, being esteemed by his employers and fellow workmen alike. On September 3 1914, he enlisted in the 8th Yorkshire Regiment, and in October 1916, he was awarded the Military Medal, shortly afterwards receiving a bar to the medal. 

Sergeant McNally being driven by ES Wood, colliery manager. People Past and Present Archive (murt0065)

The gallant soldier was met by several prominent gentlemen, including Mr ES Wood who drove him in his motor car. Soon after three o’clock the procession started from the Village green, East Murton, gay with bunting, to the hero’s home at 11 Shepherdson Street. In the procession, which was headed by the Murton Prize Band, were representatives of the Miners’ Association and other local bodies. 

Later there was a crowded meeting at the Miners’ Hall to make a presentation. The Reverend GW Anson Firth presided, and in an appropriate speech heartily welcomed Sergeant McNally. 

Mr ES Wood, on behalf of the inhabitants, presented the sergeant with a gold watch and chain, and on behalf of Mr and Mrs JS Escott a silver cigarette case, and on behalf of himself, a beautiful gold pendant for his chain. In doing so, he related the deeds which won for the sergeant the coveted distinction...

Sergeant McNally, VC acknowledging the gifts, said that he had only done his duty the same as any other British soldier would have done.

The inhabitants of Murton intend to make a public testimonial to the hero worthy of the deed. The miners have already headed the subscription list with a sum of £100, and the South Hetton Coal Company and Mr WO Wood have generously contributed to the fund”. 

McNally’s was the last Victoria Cross to be awarded to a soldier from County Durham for actions in the First World War. You can read more about the event on Saturday on the Durham County Council press release, and about Sergeant McNally’s actions on Durham at War.