New stone memorial for 18 Victoria Cross recipients

RSM James Clarke VC

The Fusilier Museum, Bury will pay tribute to the 18 Lancashire Fusiliers who were awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War, which includes RSM James Clarke VC from Rochdale and Joel Halliwell VC from Middleton, by unveiling a new stone memorial in the Gallipoli garden.

The new memorial will be officially unveiled by Cllr Jane Black and representatives from the regiment in a special ceremony on Gallipoli Sunday 28 April at 1.00pm.

The new addition to the garden has been made from Portland stone to match the existing Lutyen memorial which was designed by Sir Edward Lutyen in 1922 to commemorate the Lancashire Fusiliers killed in conflict.

The new stone sculpture has been designed and crafted by Paul Crabtree and Hannah Sofaer of the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust and will include all 18 names of the Lancashire Fusiliers who were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

The latest project by The Fusilier Museum follows on from the successful exhibition – 18 for 18 which saw all 18 Victoria Crosses reunited for the first time at the end of last year. The initiative which cost £18,000 was jointly funded by Bury Council and The Fusilier Museum itself.

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Colonel Brian Gorski, Chairman of The Fusilier Museum, said: “Following the success of our 18 for 18 exhibition we wanted to have a permanent landmark to commemorate the end of World War 1 and the 18 Victoria Crosses won by Lancashire Fusiliers. The new stone memorial enables us all to recognise the sacrifices they made as well as acknowledge the important roles they played within the regiment and the war effort. A huge thank you to Bury council for helping us make this tribute a reality and to Paul and Hannah for their work in the finished piece. ”

The Fusilier Museum in Bury, Lancashire, is home to the collections of The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Documenting over 300 years of history and heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum tells the rich and fascinating stories of the people who have served and continue to service in the Regiments.