History

We shall remember them

stjohnstmarkchurchburyFriday, March 23, 2018

Remembering the fallen

We remember that during the 1^st World War, 123 men from the congregations of St John’s and St Mark’s churches in Bury gave their lives for their country. A truly shocking number.

5 of these took place in one month, March 1918…

Corporal Harry Birks

2^nd/7^th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He lived on Fernhill. Harry died 21^st March, aged 33. Commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial, Somme.

Private Harry Benson

11^th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He lived on Dawson Street. Harry was killed in action 22^nd March, aged 27. Commemorated at the Arras Memorial.

Private Herbert Worrall

10^th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He lived on Rake Street with wife Elizabeth. Herbert died 23^rd March, aged 30. Commemorated at the Arras Memorial.

Private James Ewart Stansfield

2^nd/6^th Battalion Manchester Regiment. He lived on Walmersley Road. James died of his wounds on 25^th March, aged 19. He’s buried at the Rosieres Cemetery, Somme.

Corporal Albert Whittaker

2^nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He lived on Charles Street with wife Alice. Albert was killed in action 28^th March, aged 36. Commemorated at the Arras Memorial.

We don’t have photos of Harry Benson, Herbert Worrall and Albert Whittaker so if you do have any that we could share on this site then we would be very grateful to hear from you.

Sacrifice

Good Friday in 1918 was on 29^th March. This year it is 30^th March.

100 years on, as we approach that time when we think about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we remember too all those who have given their lives so that we can maintain our freedom.