Never forget war heroes

GRANDFATHER . . . Private William Dearnaley was killed in action on July 28, 1917, aged 30.

THE grandson of an Oldham man who died in the First World War hopes the stories and memories of those who fought are never forgotten.

Arthur Winterburn, of Oldham, encouraged by his grandfather's experiences during his service, has delved into the history of stories during The Great War.

His research led him to see how his grandfather, Private William Dearnaley, was killed in action on July 28, 1917, aged 30.

He was in D company in the 16th Manchester Regiment and had volunteered to serve.

At the time of his death he was based under the command of Colonel Wilfrith Elstob at Pilckem Ridge in the Hooge region of Belgium.

One of the main targets of capture was a castle known to British soldiers as Stirling Castle.

With the "big push" looming Col Elstob took a party of men to scout the enemy trenches and, after some deliberation, called for artillery fire.

Believing an attack was imminent, the Germans returned artillery fire and as a result Pte Dearnaley was wounded. He was taken to a clearing station where he died and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.

Col Elstob went on to earn the Victoria Cross for his valour in battle on March 21, 1918, at Manchester Hill, near Saint-Quentin, France. It was the first day of the "Spring Offensive" and he was killed in action that day, aged 29.

With the end of the Russian Revolution, Germany found they had an advantage in numbers with nearly 50 battalions freed by the Russian surrender, and so they launched the offensive before the resources of the USA could be deployed.

Col Elstob, who knew a great attack was imminent and that the Manchester 16th would bear the brunt of it, gathered his men on March 18 to explain their defence.

"This is Battalion Headquarters. Here we fight and here we die," he said.

During the battle he valiantly rallied his troops and fought, even when he had been wounded, but it was to no avail.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment at Ashton Town Hall.