Memorial Title

Capt A Ball VC DSO MC - Blue Plaque

Summary

Derbyshire War Memorials: a description of a WW1 war memorial comprising a blue plaque at Trent College, Long Eaton, Derbyshire commemorating Capt Albert Ball VC DSO MC.

Images

Click on an image for a larger view.

Locations

Last known location:
Trent College Chapel
Derby Rd (A6005)
Long Eaton
Derbyshire

Nearest postcode:
NG10 4AD

NGR:
SK 48273 33839 ±5m
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Location details:
On the outside north wall of the chapel corridor near its eastern end. Adjacent to the main access drive.

Type

Overall type: Plaque.

Overall condition: Very good

Description:

A cast metal, wall-mounted, circular plaque coloured blue with a raised white margin at the perimeter, an inscription in white raised capital block lettering and the school shield at the head in maroon and gold.

Glossary

Components:

Component	Material	Height	Width	Depth	Condition
Plaque	Metal	350	dia	10	Good
Dimensions in millimetres ±5mm unless stated otherwise.

Inscription

CAPTAIN
ALBERT BALL
VC, DSO & 2 BARS, MC
1897 - 1917
ATTENDED TRENT COLLEGE 1911 - 1913
HE WAS AWARDED THE VICTORIA CROSS FOR THE
MOST CONSPICUOUS & CONSISTENT BRAVERY
IN 26 COMBATS DURING WHICH HE
DESTROYED 11 ENEMY AIRCRAFT &
FORCED SEVERAL OTHERS TO LAND

HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN MAY 1917
AT THE AGE OF 20

Conflicts and people named:
Conflict	First World War (1914-1919)
Action or event	Death of Capt Ball (7th May 1917)
Number died	1
Number served and returned	0
Total names	1

Administration

Custodian: The governors of Trent College.

Local authorities:
From WW1: Long Eaton Parish Council; Long Eaton Urban District Council; Derbyshire County Council.
From 1974: Erewash Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council.

History and Conservation

Unknown date: The plaque was made by Croft Cast Signs of Sneatonthorpe, North Yorkshire, and installed under the direction of James Gregory, Director of Operations at Trent College.

2nd April, 2024: The memorial was surveyed by Roy Branson and Alan Willmot. It was in good condition.

References and Acknowledgements

We are grateful to James Gregory, Director of Operations at Trent College for his assistance in surveying this memorial.

Comments

Capt Albert Ball is acknowledged as a WW1 flying ace who enlisted in 2/7th (Robin Hood) Battn, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regt) but subseqently transferred to 56th Sqn Royal Flying Corps. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and 2 Bars, Military Cross, was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Croix de Chevalier, Legion d'Honneur (France), the Order of St. George, 4th Class (Russia) and was an Honourary Freeman of the City of Nottingham. He died on 7th May, 1917 aged 20 years.

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