More than 40 missing names added to Royton War Memorial

The missing names of Royton’s fallen men and women have been added to the memorial in Royton Park following research by the Royal British Legion.

There are 32 names of WWI soldiers and 10 of those who served in WWII which have been added to the stone in time for Armistice and Remembrance Services.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I’m so pleased we’ve been able to fund this work as it’s so important to remember those who have laid down their lives to protect us.

“It’s also important for the family members of those fallen to know their loved ones are acknowledged and appreciated through the memorial.”

The work has been funded by the Leader’s budget, and an additional name which was mis-spelled originally has also been corrected as part of the work.

Maria Hanley has been working with the Council to provide the missing names of the 42 heroes.

She said: “I joined the branch five years ago when my husband joined.

"My husband is a Falklands veteran.

“I got involved because I had done research before.

"They had only just set up the branch when I joined and now we have done research on every person on this memorial.

"There are a lot of families descended from these people still here in Royton.

“Matt Aspin is one of the grandsons of a man who is being added to the list of names.

"I asked how did he feel about his grandad’s name being added.

"He said he’ll be over the moon as he walks through the park with his three daughters nearly every day.

"His daughters are always asking why their great granddad’s name isn’t there, so they’ll be really pleased when it goes on.”

Veteran Carl Holly, who has been pushing for the names to be added to the memorial, said: “I am immensely proud.

"These guys paid the ultimate sacrifice and the least we can do is remember each and every one of them.

“When Maria found the names that were missing, we knew as a branch we had to get these names on the memorial. That was our ultimate goal and with the help of the council it has come to fruition."

President of RBL Royton Branch, Brian Douglas, said: “I think it’s very important to remember our fallen that have gone before and the fact that we are having 42 names added that were omitted when the memorial was first made is excellent.

"It shows that we always will remember them.”

For information about the memorial services happening across Oldham, click here

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