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Manchester Hill Commemorations 2018

Started by RHQLANCSCE, August 07, 2017, 09:04:55 PM

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RHQLANCSCE

Firstly may I introduce myself. My name is Major Bob Smethurst and I am the community engagement officer at the Regimental Headquarters of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment in Preston. The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, the Infantry Regiment of the NW, is a direct descendant of The Manchester Regiment. I am currently working on a project to commemorate the Defence of Manchester Hill by 16 MANCHESTERS and the award of the VC to their CO, Lt Col Wilfrith Elstob VC DSO MC.

In partnership with Manchester City Council, Manchester Cathedral and others we are deep in planning our commemorations for next year's centenary which will include a rerun of the commemoration service, which was held in Manchester Cathedral, exactly a century after the original service, on Sunday 15 April 2018.

We are especially keen to identify descendants of any of those who fought on Manchester Hill on 21 March 1918. If anyone is able to put me in touch with such an individual it would be very greatly appreciated.

I would be delighted to share our current plans with anyone who has an interest in 16th Battalion of The Manchester Regiment.

regards

Bob Smethurst

PhilipG

Major Smethurst,

In respect of paragraph three of your thread enquiry, you have indeed set yourself a difficult target.   

In the early 1990's, I was fortunate to hear a recording of a certain Mr Charlie Heaton remembering, in vivid terms, his experiences at Manchester Hill on the 21st March 1918.  I see from a publication by the well informed author - Mr Michael Stedman - entitled the "Manchester Pals", that he quotes some of the remembrances by Charlie Heaton.   The book was published by Leo Cooper, now known as Pen & Sword Books Ltd. in 1994.   It occurred to me that Mr Stedman may be able to help you in the matter of contacts alive today.   Pen and Sword Books Ltd. operate from 47 Church St., Barnsley S70 2BR.  I wish you well in your undertakings on behalf of the Regiment in respect of next year.  Regards. PhilipG.

RHQLANCSCE

Philip, thank you for your suggestion that I contact Michael Stedman through Pen and Sword books your help is greatly appreciated.

kind regards

Bob