The Chorley Pals were remembered this morning an Act of Remembrance at 7.30 a.m. at the Chorley Pals Memorial in the town.
The 1st July being the 97th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 during the First World War.
The annual Act of Remembrance at the Chorley Pals Memorial this morning
Twenty four people attended a short service, conducted by the Rev. Martin Cox from St. Laurence’s Church.
Wreaths were laid by Councillor Peter Wilson (on behalf of Chorley Pals Memorial Chairman Lindsay Hoyle MP), John Garwood (on behalf of the Chorley Remembers project) and Sister Francis, the daughter of Chorley Pal Private Henry Calderbank.
The Mayor, Councillor John Walker was in attendance, along with veterans and relatives of the 225 Chorley Pals commemorated on the memorial.
175 of the Chorley Pals Company, part of the famous “Accrington Pals” Battalion, went over the top at 7.30 a.m. on the 1st July 1916 – 34 were either killed or died of their wounds, whilst a further 59 were wounded.
