New memorial planned for Falklands war hero
FORTY four years after Falklands hero Ian McKay was killed in action, a new memorial stone and plaque is being planned in his honour.
Sgt McKay was awarded the Victoria Cross - Britain’s highest military honour - for his bravery in the action which cost his life.
His parents live in Greasbrough and Rotherham Council is now proposing the stone and plaque as additions to the village’s imposing war memorial.
That is in line for wider restoration work, to put right the effects of age and previous “unsympathetic” repairs.
Rotherham Council is proposing the work, but permission is needed from its own planning board before that can happen, and an application seeking approval has now been made.
A programme of work at the Listed Church Street memorial would include repairs to the masonry, specialist cleaning, repainting of metal plinths and planters adjacent to the memorial, repairs to paving and a new seating area.
Repairs and replacement of railings are also planned.
A report to planners states:”Without repairs the condition of the memorial is likely to worsen.
“The existing railings are corroded and the paintwork is faded.
“A recent addition and replacement of part of the railings in black has resulted in a colour mis-match.”
Under the proposals, two new semi-circular hard surfaced areas would be created, each taking a steel bench.
Sgt McKay was serving with The Parachute Regiment which was deployed to the Falklands following the Argentinian invasion in 1982.
He was killed during the battle of Mount Longdon, during a night attack, and was awarded a posthumous VC for his actions.