Tribute to victims of M62 coach bomb

Photo: Pictures CHRIS SUNDERLAND

Oldham Mayor Councillor Jim McArdle lays a wreath

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OLDHAM’S Mayor and Mayoress joined survivors and relatives affected by the 1974 M62 coach bombing at a wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday.

Councillors Jim McArdle and Kay Knox were joined by Youth Mayor, Mohammed Adil, at Hartshead Moor Services, near to where the blast took place.

The bomb killed 12 British soldiers including L/Cpl James John McShane (28), of Long Lane, Chadderton, and Fusilier Jack Hynes (19), from Age Croft, Alt.

Family members were also killed when 50lb of explosives tore through the back of an Army coach taking them back to Catterick Camp after weekend leave on February 4, 1974.

At the time, it was believed that the provisional IRA was behind the blast.

Judith Ward, from Stockport, was jailed for life after confessing to the outrage.

But after spending 18 years in jail, she had her convictions quashed in 1992 due to her mental state when she confessed.

The Oldham Liaison of Ex-Service Association organised Sunday’s act of remembrance which took place at the westbound service station between junction 25 Brighouse and junction 26 Bradford.