Another important piece in the Wilkinson's jigsaw....
Just had a long and fascinating phone conversation with the very charming George Black, son of Norman Darling Black who won the BEM for his bravery in rescuing survivors.
George has promised to write down his memories of his father and his own experiences as a child in war-time North Shields.
George was 8 at the time of the disaster. His father (b.1904) was an ARP warden, worked at the shipyards and was a caretaker for the Salvation Army in Prudhoe Street. The family lived above the Salvation Army Hall. Norman was related to the lifeboat heroine Grace Darling - hence his unusual middle name.
Norman worked for 24 hours amongst the debris searching for survivors and helping the injured to safety. It was a difficult task, working inch by inch for fear of the heavy machinery, glass and other hazards at the site. Norman was a trained first-aider and was able to put this knowledge to good use. After the disaster he received official recognition and the recognition of his colleagues in the ARP who presented him with a watch.
George recalls with pride the trip to Buckingham Palace at Christmas 1941 with his father to receive his medal. He was absent from school (Queen Victoria and later King Edward's) for a few days on the understanding that upon his return he told the other children about the experience.
Norman went on to become a psychiatric nurse in Morpeth. George was evacuated to Otterburn. He later joined the RAF music service, became an engineer and following in his father's footsteps, became a psychiatric nurse. George is now retired and lives in Lincoln.