Middleton’s only Victoria Cross recipient Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell V.C, will be recognised in the town next week with the unveiling of a street sign in his honour in the town centre as Corporation Street will be renamed LCpl Joel Halliwell V.C. Way.

Joel Halliwell V.C, who was a lance-corporal in the 11th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, was awarded the medal after rescuing 10 injured soldiers from no-man’s land during the First World War.

The father of three, was a reluctant hero in his life, saying he had just been doing his duty. He was buried in Boarshaw cemetery in 1958.

In France in the summer of 1918, aged 37, Lance Corporal Halliwell captured a horse then rode into no-man’s land under heavy shell fire to rescue an injured soldier. He went on to repeat the incredible feat of bravery nine times.

After the war he was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest military honour for valour in the face of possible death.

A ceremony unveiling the new street sign will take place on Tuesday 27 May at 11am, exactly 96 years to the day of his act of bravery. Guest speakers will include Shauna Dixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Captain Joe Eastwood from the Lancashire Fusiliers Association and Rochdale Borough Council leader Colin Lambert.

Deputy Chief Executive of Rochdale council Linda Fisher said it will be a fitting tribute and provide lasting recognition in the town for Lance Corporal Halliwell:

“I think it’s very important that we recognise his achievements and bravery in this permanent way. His conduct was magnificent throughout, and he was a splendid and inspiring example to all.”

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