Teen's role is family affair

A play called the Oldham Pals, its based on Arthur Butterworth, who served in the Great War, 1914 to 1918. Arthur fought on the Somme in France. The role is played by his great grandson, Max Butterworth, aged 15. The play is taking place at St Matthew's church, Chadderton, Oldham.

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A CHADDERTON teenager is re-enacting his heroic great-grandfather's incredible story of survival in a centenary commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.

Max Butterworth (15) is taking on the role of Arthur Collinge Butterworth whose story is the focus of a performance marking the historic First World War battle at St Matthew and St Luke Church.

Young Arthur ­- who was just 18 ­- narrowly escaped death when he was shot at by a German gunner.

Miraculously, a cigarette case in his breast pocket stopped the bullet.

The amazing piece of memorabilia ­- passed down to Max ­- is being used in the play, "1916 The Pals".

Story

It follows the story of Arthur and two friends who joined the Oldham Pals Battalion before being sent to the bloodiest battle of The Great War during which 20,000 British soldiers were killed.

While Arthur survived, tragically his friend standing next to him didn't.

The script is an emotional homage to the experiences and endurance of the trio and comrades.

Max, a student at Blue Coat School, is determined to do his great-grandfather justice.

"To be playing in the production is both a privilege and an honour," said Max.

'Amazing'

"To think that I am representing a brave, successful man who was a truly inspirational person is genuinely amazing.

"I am keen to do justice to his bravery and achievements when playing this role.

"I want to give people a glimpse into the horrors that existed during the First World War and to convey the fear and emotion people experienced during The Battle of the Somme."

The production was written by church member Hannah Currin who is jointly directing along with Joan Johnson, St Matthew and St Luke's event organiser.

Costumes have been hired from the Royal Exchange Theatre and a trench prop has been built especially for the occasion by one of the play's actors, Mike Moran.

Arthur was awarded The British War Medal, 1914-18, and The Allied Victory Medal for his part in the war. After returning home, Arthur, who lived in Hollin Lane, Middleton, lived a full and successful life becoming a magistrate in 1947 and mayor of Heywood in 1952.

He was company secretary of Heywood and District Cotton Employers Association, a member of the General Committee of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.

He was also a local preacher and church organist and officially opened the town's new Trinity Methodist Church in 1972.

"1916 The Pals" performance ­- which includes videos and will be accompanied by the church choir ­- is at the Chadderton Hall Road venue on Saturday, at 7pm.

Tickets are £5 on the door and there will be refreshments available.