Missing names added to Nelson’s Cenotaph

The additions were made following an appeal to residents with relatives that had been missed from the initial inscribing on the cenotaph outside the library in Nelson town centre.

Pendle Borough Council and Pendle’s Armed Forces Support Group were keen to make the update to ensure that everything was correct in remembering the town’s heroes who lost their lives in war or conflict. 

A total of 10 names have been added, plus a correction to a regiment name.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “It was so important that we didn’t miss any names of Nelson men and women who were killed while serving for their country. 

“We wanted to make sure that everyone who should be remembered was added and any incorrect details were amended.” 

The work was commissioned by Pendle Borough Council supported by Pendle Armed Forces Support Group and financed by Nelson Area Committee and Nelson Town Council.

The newly inscribed names are:

First World War 1914 - 1918:

East Lancs Regiment: Brown J.S / Massey H

Lancashire Fusiliers: Farrow H

Manchester Regiment: Hudson A.C

Royal Field & Horse Artillery: Thompson G.J

Second World War 1939 - 1945:

Gordon Highlanders: Hickson J.K

Highland Light Infantry: Read R.

Pioneer Corps: Nutter B

Royal Artillery: Brown S

The Queen's (RWSR): Barton W.H

Pendle Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Kevin Salter, added: “As Pendle Armed Forces Champion, I am pleased that these additions have been made to recognise all of Nelson’s fallen heroes.

“The cenotaph is there as a constant reminder to us all of the ultimate sacrifice made by these Nelson residents who were members of the Armed Forces.”

The memorial remembers those who died in National Service, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Afghanistan and other conflicts. 

Names include Victoria Cross recipient Graham Thomson-Lyall and Michael Foley, a Nelson soldier who died in Afghanistan in March 2012. 

Mike Sutcliff, Chairman of Pendle Armed Forces Support Group, said: “We are delighted that the update has been done, and we would like to thank everyone involved.

“Lots of research was carried out and every effort has been made to ensure all the details on the memorial are now correct. 

“The additional names will be read out at the beginning of the next Remembrance Service in November.”