MEMORIAL
A few years ago, the Police Station, Magistrates Court and other administrative departments of the former Tynemouth Borough council were converted to a theatre, offices and a restaurant.
One of the rooms is dedicated to Thomas Brown whose story I have copied opposite from a brass plaque in the courtyard of the building.
North Shields War Hero.
On October 30th 1942, Thomas Brown, a 16 year old NAAFI Canteen Assistant serving on HMS Petard, risked his life to help capture the Enigma codes from the sinking German U-boat U559. His incredible bravery shortened World War II by at least 12 months, thus saving countless lives.
The other two men who swam to the U-boat, drowned when it sank. Thomas survived, but died aged 19 in a fire at his home in North Shields. He was buried with military honours and posthumously awarded the George Medal