Durham remembers teenage war hero

A commemoration has been held to honour a local wartime hero in Durham, whose bravery continues to inspire the region.

Fusilier Dennis Donnini, from Easington Colliery, would have turned 100 this month. 

At just nineteen, he became the youngest Second World War soldier to receive the Victoria Cross after leading an extraordinary charge that helped his platoon overpower an enemy force twice their size during Operation Blackcock, when the British Second Army cleared German troops from the Roer Triangle in January 1945.

Denis’ actions resulted in the capture of German soldiers and machine guns, but he lost his life in the attack.

To mark the centenary of his birth, members of the Donnini family gathered at The Story, Durham County Council’s culture and registration venue. 

The event included a presentation from Dennis’ nephew, Tony Putsman, reflecting on the significance of his legacy, as well as an update on ongoing work to digitise the Donnini family archive.

Born in 1925 to an Italian father and English mother, Dennis grew up in Easington Colliery and later studied at Corby Grammar School in Sunderland. 

He enlisted in 1944, following two of his brothers into military service, and joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers shortly before his death the following January.

Jerome Donnini, another of Dennis’ nephews, said: “It’s been wonderful and quite emotional to pay tribute to Dennis’ memory alongside so many family members. 

“It’s a source of great pride to us all and we’re delighted The Story is helping to keep his memory alive by preserving the family archive.

“It’s so important that we remember people like Dennis who gave their lives for our freedom. 

“If we’d lost, it would have been the end of everything. 

“Dennis was one of 64 men involved in the attack that day and there were 32 left standing at the end. 

“It’s important we remember them too. They are all heroes.”

The Story, located on the outskirts of Durham City, houses extensive historic collections, including the entire DLI archive. 

It also features a public exhibition, research facilities and community space, providing visitors with a deeper insight into the county’s heritage and remarkable figures like Dennis Donnini whose courage continues to resonate a century on.

Councillor Andrew Harrison, Durham County Council’s armed forces champion, said: “The Story is all about celebrating ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things and Dennis Donnini VC was just that; a young man from Easington Colliery who demonstrated remarkable bravery and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

“It’s been such an honour to meet members of Dennis’ family and hear some of the fascinating stories that have been passed down through the generations.

“And, by digitising the Donnini family archive, we can help to ensure Dennis’ heroic actions are never forgotten, while also documenting an important part of County Durham’s history.”

The Story is open every day and entry is free. To find out more, visit www.thestorydurham.org.

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