Town reflects on war and peace

THE Battle of the Somme remembrance service at Oldham Parish Church

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VETERANS and dignitaries marched through the town centre yesterday as Oldham paid tribute to local men who lost their lives in the bloody Battle of Somme 100 years ago.

The devastating battle was fought between July 1 and November 1916 near the Somme River in France and on the first day alone, the British suffered more than 57,000 casualties.

By the end of the campaign more than one million men from the Allies and Central Powers had been wounded or killed - it is one of the bloodiest episodes in military history.

The famous Oldham Pals battalion took part in the battle and yesterday family members of local men that fought as well as the borough's dignitaries joined a procession through the town centre.

They marched from the Civic Centre to Oldham Parish Church where a moving service was held at 2pm.

Oldham Council had a number of events and activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the infamous battle, including a display to show how Oldham and its residents were affected.

Councillor Cath Ball, assistant cabinet member for World War I centenary, played a key role in coordinating the events.

Councillor Ball said: "I think it's really important we remember events like this. Especially so children understand what happened. I personally grew up learning about the First World War in school and from books but by hearing what happened and seeing the pictures it's all brought clear."

Attending the service with his family, Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: "We were in London to hear the cannons go off and then we were at Westminster Abbey. So we have seen the spread of feeling of respect from London to Oldham but there is nothing like your home town and seeing your own community paying its respects.

"However amazing Westminster is, Oldham is far more heartfelt. You could see the emotion in people's faces as they lit the candles.

"You can't help but think when you're in a service like that, what lessons have been learnt about conflict and peace?"

Mayor of Oldham Derek Heffernan said: "I feel it is very important we remember events like this because we owe it to the people who died in the First World War and particularly today in the Battle of Somme. We owe it to their descendants to respect their loved ones.

"Especially as the only mayor for peace in Britain I feel it is my duty to bring this to people's attention."

In attendance was veteran Terrance Windsor, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from 1967-2003.

Mr Windsor said: "We are here to remember the sacrifice they made and to remember them but, most importantly, to make sure it hopefully doesn't ever happen again."