Blue plaques for war hero, archaeologist and mayor

Flight Lieutenant Dominic Bruce, Dame Rosemary Cramp and Joseph Mason Moore will be honoured

A World War Two hero, an archaeologist and a Victorian mayor are being honoured with commemorative blue plaques in South Tyneside.

Up to three blue plaques are installed by the council each year, recognising people for their importance to local history and heritage.

The tributes for 2024 feature Hebburn-born Flight Lieutenant Dominic Bruce, known as "the most ingenious escaper" of World War Two, Dame Rosemary Cramp - hailed as a trailblazer for archaeology in the North East - and former Mayor of South Shields Joseph Mason Moore.

The nominations are open for next year's blue plaque scheme.

'Incredible lives'

Flt Lt Bruce, who was the only known person to have received both the Military Cross and Air Force Medal, was known for making several attempts to escape prisoner of war camps, including Colditz Castle, the council said.

His privately-funded plaque is expected to be installed at his former home in Shakespeare Avenue.

Archaeologist Dame Rosemary Cramp was the first female professor at Durham University and led the development of Bede Museum in Jarrow, where her privately-funded plaque will be placed.

Joseph Mason Moore, who was mayor of South Shields from 1870-1871 and town clerk for 27 years, funded Harton Village School and was the principal person behind the construction of the Ingham Infirmary, the council added.

His council-funded plaque will be placed in Harton Village.

Previous blue plaques honoured local figures like Amy Flagg, historian and photographer

Those honoured in recent years include South Shields war photographer and historian Amy Flagg, whose blue plaque is located in the Westoe area, and Sir John Jarvis, a London-born philanthropist who helped Jarrow during the 1930s Great Depression.

Deputy leader of South Tyneside Council, Audrey Huntley, said the borough had a "rich and proud heritage".

She added: "We are delighted to give rightful recognition to the incredible life and work of these individuals through the raising of three new blue plaques and paying tribute to the legacies they left behind."