Tribute to coach bomb victims

THE wreckage of the coach after a bomb tore through the rear of the vehicle

OLDHAM dignitaries will join survivors and relatives affected by the M62 coach bombing at an act of remembrance on Sunday.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Councillors Jim McArdle and Kay Knox, and the Youth Mayor, Mohammed Adil, will lay a wreath at Hartshead Moor Services, near to where the blast took place in 1974.

A total of 12 British soldiers and some family members were killed when 50lb of explosives tore through the back of an Army coach as they returned from weekend leave on February 4.

Among those killed was L/Cpl James John McShane (28), of Long Lane, Chadderton, and Fusilier Jack Hynes (19), from Age Croft, Alt.

At the time, it was believed that the provisional IRA was behind the blast.

Judith Ward, from Stockport, was jailed for life after confessing to the outrage.

But after spending 18 years in jail, she had her convictions quashed in 1992 due to her mental state when she confessed.

The Oldham Liaison of Ex-Service Association have organised Sunday’s act of remembrance to start at 11am.

It will take place on at the westbound service station between junction 25 Brighouse and junction 26 Bradford.

For more information call 0161-628 7799.