Borough to remember the Gulf War

25th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War will be held in Rochdale on Friday 26 February at 5pm at Rochdale Cenotaph

A ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War will be held in Rochdale to mark the 25th anniversary of the war.

A remembrance service will be held on Friday 26 February at 5.00pm at Rochdale Cenotaph.

The service will mark the 25th Anniversary of the war and Operation Granby, the name given to British military operations during the conflict.

Almost 54,000 British troops were deployed on Operation Granby and faced danger and uncertainty in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. Although the war was an overwhelming success, 47 servicemen sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Over the last year or so a lot of attention has rightly been given to commemorate the First World War. Although the Gulf War was not as devastating, 47 British Servicemen lost their lives and each and everyone one of them deserves to be remembered. Those who did come home also need to be honoured for the hardship they endured, some gave a little some gave all. There will also be people in our borough affected by the conflict and I would hope they are able to take part in the service

"The Gulf War has at times been referred to as the Forgotten War, The 100-Hour War and even the Dirty War. It lasted until 28 February 1991 and ended in the successful liberation of Kuwait from Iraq".

Commemorations of the Gulf War will continue on Saturday 27 February when a festival will be held at Rochdale Town Hall. The evening will comprise of, The Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, The Fusilier Association Band and drums and the Ambassadors Tribute Act.

Tickets are available from Rochdale Town Hall or The Fusilier Museum.