Fusiliers mark memorial date by unveiling tribute

Photo: Journeaux

Transport Interchange

A special memorial plaque will be unveiled at Rochdale Interchange on Monday 4 August, marking 100 years since Great Britain’s entry into the First World War.

The plaque, which pays tribute to 20 members of Rochdale Passenger Transport Department who died during the conflict, will be unveiled at the Smith Street facility at 10.30am.

4 August 2014 will mark exactly a century since Great Britain declared a state of war at 11pm after Austria-Hungary refused to back down from hostilities against Serbia.

As well as members of The Lancashire Fusiliers, the plaque will be unveiled by Transport for Greater Manchester Chief Executive and former RAF Air Vice Marshal, Dr Jon Lamonte and Rochdale Council Leader, Councillor Richard Farnell.

Prior to the unveiling, Fusiliers will board the special 3020 Lancashire Fusiliers’ tram at Rochdale Railway Station Metrolink stop and will regale passengers with a First World War poetry reading.

Members of the public are welcome to board the tram and/or attend the unveiling of the plaque, which will be located in the interchange’s Travelshop.

Dr Lamonte said: “The centenary of the First World War is something that touches everyone: from past family members who were part of that generation and made the ultimate sacrifice, to the poetry we all know so well from our school days.

“I wholeheartedly welcome this important tribute because it really helps this generation to understand just how far and deep an impact the conflict had on people’s everyday lives.

“Metrolink, in particular, has very close ties with the Lancashire Fusiliers, who raised 30 battalions for the First World War and were represented in every campaign of the conflict – so I’m pleased that they were able to use the network to arrive here for the unveiling.”

Councillor Farnell, said: “We have made a commitment as a council to support our armed forces as much as we can and we welcome any opportunity to honour the huge sacrifices they have made for us. We’re proud to be able to show our respect on this very significant day, as we mark 100 years since Great Britain’s entry into the First World War.”