Proud veterans on the march...

Photo: Tim Bradley

A VETERAN remembers . . .

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VETERANS and dignitaries marched through the town centre yesterday to celebrate the tercentenary of the Royal Artillery.

Branches from Oldham, Bolton, Manchester, Central Lancashire, Ashton and Stockport held a North-West region parade, which made its way from the Tommyfield Pub down to the Oldham War Memorial outside Oldham Parish Church. Present at the event were the mayor, Cllr Derek Heffernan, and mayoress, Di Heffernan, alongside the general secretary of the RA Association, Lt Col Vere Nicoll MBE.

Prayers were led by the Rev David Gray, from Gorton Monastery,

The103 Regiment of the RA paraded a 105 light gun and a small section of the Lancashire Artillery band accompanied the service at the Oldham War Memorial.

Known as the Gunners, the RA provides the fire power for the British Army.

On May 26, 1716, the first two permanent companies of the RA were formed by Royal Warrant in the reign of George I. The two companies numbered 100 men each.

The companies were based at Woolwich, alongside the guns, powder and shot located in the Royal Arsenal.

Michael Whitehead, chairman of the Oldham branch of the Royal Artillery, said: "All the members of the different regiments are here. It has been a great day.

"It has been a celebration, rather than something sombre like the Somme commemoration."

Oldham Mayor Councillor Derek Heffernan said: "As always we're very pleased to be at these ceremonies.

"It's necessary that we salute the people who have defended our country for 300 years. They're so much a part of our history. Unfortunately, in order to get peace we sometimes need to fight wars.

"We're grateful to people who fight on our behalf."

Lt Col Nicoll added: "It's a real privilege to come to Oldham, which has a fine tradition of proving both artillery regiments and artillery men, and now women of course.

"To come here on the 300th anniversary is a great occasion, and to be supported by the mayor of Oldham and the people of Oldham."

After the service, a fun day was held at the Weavers Arms on Huddersfield Road, with various stalls and music for all to enjoy.

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