The Friends of Stalybridge War Memorial have staged a poignant walk in period dress to remember the names of the missing men from the town's war memorial.

The walk traced the footsteps of a heartbroken mother whose three sons lost their lives in the First World War. 

The mum - Mrs Marshall - had walked from her home in Buckton Vale to Stalybridge to register the names of her son Fred, George and Harry for the proposed Stalybridge War Memorial, completed in 1921.  

But she was turned down as the Registrar told her that Carr Cottages were in Mossley.  

She walked along Wakefield Road and made her way to the old town hall in Top Mossley only to be turned away again. Retracing her steps, she made her way back to Stalybridge only to be refused for a third time - all on the same day.

Local historian Kate Booth, who has long researched the missing names on the memorial, states: “No one who hears this account can understand how the two officials could have been so harsh or obstinate as it is obvious that Carr was then, and is now, part of the Stalybridge area.”   

It has long been the aim of The Friends of Stalybridge War Memorial to complete the circle and commemorate the almost 300 whose names are missing for one reason or another and to include those who have lost their lives since the Second World War.

Sean Dawson was killed in Afghanistan, and his father also took part in the commemorative walk to highlight the fact that his boy is not acknowledged in his home town.   

Two members of Stalybridge Band played Tipperary to send the walking group on their way, along with Jonathan Reynolds MP, members of the Marshall family, The Friends of Stalybridge War Memorial, and members of the public.  

West Hill’s Deputy Head,  Cllr Dave Sweeton and his wife,  representatives of The Manchester Regiment re-enactment group, Peter Edwards - Stalybridge and Dukinfield Branch of the British Legion - carrying the Union Flag, and Kate Booth herself walked to the Marshalls’ home in Buckton Vale appreciating the display put up by pupils of Buckton Vale Primary.

Kate added: “More than £700 was raised in donations on the day, but more importantly we were approached by members of the public who wanted to know why we were walking.

“It was a privilege to be included and to help to highlight a 100 year travesty of justice.  All we need is a good friend to help us to reach our £100,000 target.”

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