More than a century on these casualties have finally been honoured with Commonwealth War Grave headstones.
Maria Hanley and Andrew Spence, researchers from the Royton branch of the Royal British Legion, teamed up with Tim Bell, a volunteer and researcher from the In From The Cold Project and the Manchester Regiment Forum which researches and identifies servicemen and women missing from the official Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) list of casualties from the First and Second World Wars.
Unrecognised servicemen who served in the First World War are now set to receive their own Commonwealth War Grave headstones after more than a century.
Next month, a grave dedication service for 11 of these servicemen will be held at Greenacres Cemetery, and the following month three more graves will be dedicated in Royton Cemetery.
Some of the casualties, who have now been accepted for War Grave status and Commonwealth War Grave commemoration, were buried in unmarked burial plots.
The project uncovers the names of those who died after discharge due to injury or illness caused by or aggravated by their service.
Their work will also see two more War Graves marked in Hollinwood Cemetery, two in Failsworth, one in Lees and another in Chadderton.
Thanks to their efforts, in 2023 two War Graves were dedicated at Crompton Cemetery for Private George Warburton and Private Edward Whitehead.
Maria and Andrew have liaised with other Royal British Legion branches to inform them of the project and the new commemorations in their local cemeteries.
Maria said: “On 26 July there will be a grave dedication for 11 men at Greenacres. This is a unique and special ceremony because it is unlikely to ever take place again.
“Andrew and I have been determined to ensure these men receive the recognition they deserve for their service and sacrifice. We hope these dedications will ensure their service is remembered for generations to come.”
And Andrew said: “Seeing these headstones installed is a proud moment and a reminder that it is never too late to recognise those who gave so much.”
Ceremonies, attended by dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion, will take place at Greenacres at 11am on Sunday 26 July, and Royton at 10.15am on Saturday 22 August. The ceremonies are also open to members of the public to attend.
A council spokesperson said: “This is a fitting and long-overdue tribute to men who made the ultimate sacrifice but whose service was never formally recognised.
“Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of Maria, Andrew, the In From The Cold project and the Manchester Regiment Forum, these servicemen will now receive the honour and recognition they deserve.
“Their work ensures that these individuals are remembered properly and that future generations can continue to learn about the sacrifices made during the First World War.”
At Royton the following servicemen have received a Commonwealth War Grave headstone:
Private Joseph William Haigh of the 24th Battalion Manchester Regiment (Oldham Comrades) and the 27th Reserve Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 1 May 1916, aged 35.
Corporal John Johnson of the Grenadier Guards and the 3rd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 19 June 1918, aged 39.
Gunner Fred Mellor of the Royal Garrison Artillery, who died 20 May 1920, aged 41.
At Greenacres the following servicemen have received a Commonwealth War Grave headstone:
Private William Noble of the 12th Reserve Cavalry Regiment, who died 9 January 1915, aged 19.
Driver Frederick Casey of the 48 Reserve Park Army Service Corps, who died 21 January 1916, aged 39.
Private Joseph Briggs of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 13 February 1916, aged 45.
Private William Patrick Farrell of the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 13 August 1916, aged 44.
Private John Devine of the 3rd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 26 January 1917, aged 39.
Private Charles Melia of the 3rd/10th Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 28 December 1918, aged 20.
Private James Murphy of the 3rd Battalion King’s Liverpool Regiment, who died 3 February 1919, aged 40.
Private Thomas Harrison of the 12th Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 31 January 1920, aged 39.
Sergeant John Moss Cowley of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 23 February 1920, aged 45.
Private Edward Hulme of the 11th Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 26 April 1921, aged 38.
Private Norman Sladen of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, who died 8 August 1921, aged 27.
