Eston Cemetery, Middlesbrough: Memorial to a Teesside VC Winner

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A monument to a Teesside hero exists in a cemetery in Eston. William Short was from the area and before the war he was a steelworker – the monument is made out of local steel. He was also a popular local footballer, playing for Grangetown, Saltburn and Lazenby. William was foremost in an attack when he was severely wounded in the foot. He was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell and he died before he could be carried out of the trench. He was awarded the Victoria Cross. His helmet was one of the first items to go on display at the Imperial War Museums. Location: Eston Cemetery, Middlesbrough TS6 9DB Image: William’s helmet