Memorials to the fallen unveiled

TRIBUTE . . . Standard bearers at the unveiling of the memorial stones at Oldham’s war memorial

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

LASTING tributes to lives lost in war and atrocity have been unveiled in Oldham.

A service of thanksgiving and dedication at Oldham Parish Church on Sunday saw a trio of tributes given.

The colours of the 24th Battalion The Manchester Regiment — known as “The Oldham Pals” — were conserved behind glass in the church to keep them as a lasting memorial.

At the war memorial, a memorial stone was unveiled and blessed to remember those who lost their lives while serving in conflicts since the Second World War.

A second memorial stone was dedicated to those whose lives were lost in the M62 coach bombing by the IRA on February 4, 1974.

A total of 12 British soldiers and family members died, with Oldham suffering the most fatalities.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, gave the blessings, with the Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Warren Smith, and Oldham Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle, unveiling the memorial stones.

The memorials were provided by the Oldham Liaison of Ex-Service Associations with help from Susan Warburton, who restored the Colour of the 24th Battalion, Garforth Glass of Lees, Wessex Glass and Mirrors of Chadderton, and Memories Memorials Ltd of Shaw.

Alan Noble, chairman of the Oldham Liaison of Ex-Service Associations, said: “It was an excellent service and a good turnout.

“It went down very well and was a fitting tribute.”