A memorial to those who lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign in WW1 will be raised in Queens Park in Bolton on Sunday.
The tribute has been raised to mark the centenary anniversary of the campaign, and a service will be held to commemorate those who fell, amongst whom are 134 men from Bolton, who will have their names inscribed on the site.
Armstrongs Group, of Horwich, have donated the 6ft obelisk, and their representative Emma Armstrong revealed the company’s pride in participating in commemorating the fallen soldiers.
She said: “We are very proud to be involved with this prestigious piece remembering the fallen in such an important event in the history of our country
“We hope that many people will visit the memorial and have a fulfilling and uplifting experience.”
The men from Bolton served in the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, who were met with heavy fire when they landed at Gallipoli in Turkey on April 25, 1915. The company received several Victoria Cross medals, which have since been referred to as ‘six VCs before breakfast’.
The actual number of Boltonians to have lost their lives in the campaign is still unknown, with research being done to try and discover the names of as many of those to die as possible.
The Reverend Canon Matt Thompson will conduct the service and will be joined other dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Martin Donaghy and the Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris.
Cllr Donaghy said: “I especially wanted to pay tribute to the Bolton men who lost their lives at Gallipoli. It’s only fitting that they have a lasting memorial in the borough.”
The monument will be situated in the Promenade area of the park, access via the Chorley New Road entrance.
Image courtesy of the State Library of Australia, with thanks.
