M62 bomb victims honoured

HUNDREDS gathered to remember 12 people — seven from Oldham — killed in a bombing atrocity on the M62 almost 40 years ago.

A bomb planted on their coach exploded close to Hartshead Moor services near Brighouse in February 1974. The IRA was suspected of the attack but culpability was never claimed nor proved.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Olwen Chadderton and members of Oldham Liaison of Ex-Services Association were among those who paid tribute at yesterday’s memorial service, close to where the blast happened.

Among those killed was L/Cpl James John McShane (28), Fusilier Jack Hynes (19) and Fusilier Stephen Whalley (18), all from Oldham. Also on the coach was Cpl Clifford Haughton (23), along with wife Linda (23) and children Lee (5) and Robert (2), who all lost their lives.

The service gathered around a remembrance plaque, where wreaths were laid and a lone piper played