Royal British Legion Industries sign of approval for Rochdale’s World War One battle streets

Five streets in Rochdale named after World War One battles will be re-dedicated next week and have special new signs unveiled during a public ceremony in the town.

Mons Avenue, Falkland Avenue, Jutland Avenue, Marne Crescent and Verdun Crescent will be fitted with new commemorative road signs produced by the Royal British Legion Industries as part of an ongoing programme to help ensure future generations understand about sacrifices made during past conflicts.

Residents are invited to attend the event at 1pm on Sunday 13 December, as part of Rochdale Borough Council’s World War One centenary commemorations.

The new signs have been manufactured by the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) social enterprise based in Kent, who provide road, rail and commercial signs employing veterans and people with disabilities.

Geoff Streetley, RBLI Director of Commercial Operations said: “We’re delighted Rochdale have used RBLI to supply these new heritage street signs. It is fitting that these signs commemorating the First World War were made by Armed Forces veterans. We’re looking forward to working with other councils in Greater Manchester to supply more signs across the region, which will help us to continue supporting veterans in our social enterprise and other ex-service personnel across the country.”

The dedication service will be held at the corner of Jutland Avenue and Longfield Road and the council are hopeful of a big turnout.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Royal British Legion Industries employ people with a disability, health condition or an ex-service connection and we are very pleased to support them. The Battle Streets of Rochdale are a part of our history and it is important that over the centenary of World War One we do as much as we can to ensure the local community can reflect on the impact of conflict and honour those who have served their country.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, the council’s lead member for Armed Forces, added: “The hardest step for someone in the military is that first step back into civilian life. Royal British Legion Industries bridge that gap. The money raised goes back into the organisation to allow them to support other veterans who find the transition difficult.”

A street closure will be in place prior to the service and will run from Longfield Road South from the junction of Falkland Ave to Jutland Ave, and from Jutland Ave East from the junction of Marne Crescent to Longfield Road. Additional parking will be available at Spotland Stadium, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS.Read more HERE    

1914 2014

BRITISH SOLDIERS SHOT A DAWN IN WORLD WAR ONE.

Shot at Dawn: Cowards, Traitors or Victims?

World War One soldiers knew their king and country expected them to fight to the death. Such was the expectation of their military commanders, their political leaders and even their loved ones that there was no question that if mortal danger came, they should face it like men. It was the only way for good to triumph over evil.

But this conflict quickly became the most brutal war in history and not even the most seasoned serviceman was prepared for the scale of carnage that unfolded before him. For many the horror proved too much. Hundreds were unable to cope, many were driven insane and several simply ran away.

But the army could no more afford to carry cowards than it could traitors, and many of those who did flee faced instant retribution with a court martial and death by firing squad.British and Commonwealth military command executed 306 of its own men during the Great War. Those shot brought such shame on their country that nearly a century on, their names still do not appear on official war memorials.

Relatives and supporters of the executed men are fighting to win them a posthumous pardon. Their Shot at Dawn campaign claims the soldiers were blameless because it was severe psychological trauma, not cowardice, that rendered them physically unable to cope with the shocking scenes they had witnessed.

But others believe it is impossible to condemn the events of a century ago from a modern-day perspective. Whatever the rights and wrongs, they say, a pardon is inappropriate and impossible. Read more HERE


I personally say that the majority of those shot are victims , a small percentage may have been deserters but a large majority will have been suffering from Shell Shock or as we call it today PTSD. For instance if you were in the vicinity of an explosion and as a result you lost your rifle, you were considered a deserter. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM......ALL OF THEM.

WORLD WAR ONE