Forever in our hearts

NEVER forgotten . . . Kath and Eddie Moores at the memorial tree and plaque

5 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM led the way in paying tribute to the 12 people killed in the M62 coach bombing by the IRA 35 years ago.

With the borough suffering the most fatalities in the atrocity, the Oldham Liaison of Ex-Services Association helped organise a special memorial service at Hartshead Moor service station, near Brighouse, yesterday.

More than 700 survivors, relatives and dignitaries attended the fitting tribute with the unveiling of a memorial plaque and an oak tree planted in their honour.

A total of 12 British soldiers and some family members were killed when 50lb of explosives tore through the back of an Army leave coach on February 4, 1974.

Among those killed was L/Cpl James John McShane (28), of Long Lane, Chadderton, and Fusilier Jack Hynes (19), from Age Croft, Alt.

Oldham was well represented at the service with Mayor, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, deputy council leader Councillor Jackie Stanton and police chief Caroline Ball paying their respects alongside eight families of survivors.

Association chairman Alan Noble led dozens of proud standard bearers in a magnificent display on a blanket of snow, while the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, the Fusiliers Association and Chadderton Over 55s Band performed.

The Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Rev Stephen Platten, and the Bishop of Beverley, the Rt Rev Martyn Jarrett, conducted the service and dedications at the only memorial at a service station in Britain.

Relatives of the victims helped Norman Armstrong-Kersh, of Oldham charity Life for a Life, plant the tree and he said he was proud and priviliged to be part of such a moment with such lovely families.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Maureen Norton, thanked all those involved and said to applause: “To all those whose lives were lost in this terrible tragedy, I say in our hearts and minds they will live forever. We will always remember them.”

Oldhamers involved said the new memorial was in a more suitable place and more tranquil setting than the previous indoor plaque.

Kath Moores, from Chadderton, attending with her husband Eddie, a governor at Oldham’s Blue Coat school, lost her brother Cpl Clifford Haughton, his wife Linda and their sons Lee (5) and Robert (2) in the bombing. The young family had only taken the coach after their car broke down.

She said: “If I come down this stretch of motorway I always end up crying, even if I wasn’t thinking about it.

“It was a lovely service and there were more people than I expected. The memorial is in a more fitting place.”

Angela Pemberton, of Royton, the sister of James John McShane, attended with her husband David, brother George Wilson and cousin Bill Polion.

She said: “They have done a tremendous job to pull all this together and get this re-dedication.

“It can never be forgotten when you lose someone, especially in tragic circumstances. The pain does ease but you carry on remembering them.”

Keith Blaylock (55), of Chadderton, was a soldier who survived the explosion.

He said: “I’ve still got memories of it. With my job I pass here most days and I still think about it. You have to move on, it’s no use dwelling on the past, but you remember the friends that you have lost.

“It was an excellent service and the memorial is a fitting tribute.”

The coach, which had picked up people at Mumps Bridge, as well as Manchester and Huddersfield, was travelling to the Catterick camp after weekend leave.

The explosion came as the vehicle approached the service station. The attack marked the start of an IRA reign of terror on mainland Britain.