VC hero given memorial stone honour

The ceremony in Royton Park

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THE heroic actions of Royton-born Sergeant John Hogan were commemorated with the unveiling of a special memorial stone.

The ceremony, which attracted more than a hundred people at Royton War Memorial, came exactly 100 years after Sgt Hogan’s acts of bravery in World War One earned him the Victoria Cross

The soldier, born in April 1884, received the VC in Festubert, France on October 29, 1914, when he recaptured a trench that had been overrun by the enemy.

He and Lt James Leach led a team of 10 men to retake the trench under gunfire. In hand-to-hand combat they killed eight men, wounded two others and took 16 prisoners.

He received the VC from King George V at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. His medals are now on permanent display at Oldham Civic Centre.

Sgt Hogan’s great-grandson Delwyn Sykes (41), travelled from North Wales to be part of the service.

He said: “It is great for the family to be here together to see the stone unveiled.

“He obviously means a lot to the Oldham community and we would like to thank everyone who came today and arranged the event, particularly the Manchester Regiment.”



A POST box has been dedicated in honour of the VC winner.

A special plaque has been attached to the box outside Royton Post Office highlighting the courage of the postal worker.

Stephen Carter, Oldham Delivery Office manager, said: “We’re delighted to be dedicating this post box in honour of Sgt John Hogan, on the centenary of his courageous actions.

The dedication of the box is part of Royal Mail’s five- year programme of remembrance for the First World War.