A family at war

THE end of the First World War 90 years ago will stir many memories in Oldham.

Whole streets of Oldhamers had marched off to war — and many did not return.

The conditions the troops encountered in France and Belgium, where the great armies became bogged down in trench warfare, were terrible.

And so harrowing were the experiences of those who had been on the front line that they seldom talked about them when they returned.

Bernard Madden (71), of Halliwell Avenue, Copsterhill, and his son, Mike, who now lives in Ashton, are sharing some of their personal First World War snapshots with Chronicle readers.

Bernard said: “My father, George Madden, and his brothers, Frank and Charles, fought in the First World World War.

“Their younger brother, Leonard, tried to enlist but he was pulled back because he was only 14. He eventually joined up and was posted abroad when he was 17.

“My father’s uncle, Frank O’Brien, was killed in action.

“Every family in Oldham will have had someone who left home to join the war.

“I think one of the saddest tales we had in the family was that of my mother’s brother who went all through the war and then died in a flu epidemic in Belgium in 1919.

“But I think the most amazing story was of my father’s auntie who was only a tiny woman and who as a nurse saved two men from a minefield. Her actions were rewarded with a top French medal.

“I am sure every family will have some similar story. But if we can stir a few memories at this time, it might be beneficial.”



Act of remembrance

THE dead of two world wars and other conflicts were remembered at a service in Uppermill.

The service, ahead of Remembrance Sunday, is traditionally held in St Chad’s Gardens, Uppermill.

Wreaths were laid by the chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, Councillor Pat Lord, the Saddleworth Royal British Legion, scouts, guides and the ATC.

A member of MP Phil Woolas’s staff also laid a wreath on the war memorial.

In blustery winds, the minister at Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross, the Rev Kenneth Tibbo, led the service.

Uppermill Band played the “Last Post” and “Reveille” as the congregation stood solemnly by.