Soldiers who died 80 years ago during World War Two

Littleborough Cenotaph

Volunteers at Littleborough History Centre have been researching the service personnel from the Pennine districts of Rochdale (Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey, Smallbridge and Wardle) who died during World War Two.

This list is of men whose 80 years' anniversary occurs in January 2023.

• Littleborough

Sapper Harry Towers

Harry was born on 2 January 1922. The son of Joseph Greenwood Towers and Hilda Towers (nee Hulme), in 1939 he lived with his parents and sister Brenda at No 2 Pike House Cottages, Littleborough. Harry was a Ring Doffer, Cotton whilst his father was a Coal Carter.

22-year-old Sapper Towers 2156454, 585 Corps Field Park Company, Royal Engineers, was lost in the sinking of SS Benalbanach, a Ben Line 7,152 ton cargo ship, part of convoy MKS 5 carrying 74 crew and 389 troops from the Clyde to Bona, North Africa on 7th January 1943, the ship being sunk in the Mediterranean by a single aircraft dropping 2 aerial torpedo. The ship caught fire and quickly sank Only 17 crew and 38 servicemen survived. Harry is remembered on Brookwood 1939-1945 Memorial, Panel 7. Column 2 and on Littleborough Cenotaph.

• Milnrow

Gunner Patrick Stott

Patrick was born in Haslingden in late Autumn 1910, the son of James and Mary Stott. In 1921 Patrick was recorded as living at 3 Ethel Street, Rochdale. Patrick, a General Labourer was the husband of Martha Ann Stott, of Milnrow. 33-year-old Gunner Stott 1643675, 195 Battery. 65 Light AA Regiment, Royal Artillery died on 15 January 1943 of General Tuberculosis and is buried in Milnrow (St. James) Churchyard, New Portion. Row K. Grave 32.

The Rochdale Observer of 22 January 1943 carried a loving memorial from Martha and Ernest and the children and on the following day the Rochdale Observer carried thanks from the Yarker Family “to all friends and neighbours, also the doctor, district nurse and those at 26 Harbour Lane for their kind attention to the late Patrick Stott; also Mr J Fielding, undertaker, for kindness given... After long suffering rest. 1 Buckley Square, Milnrow.”