Soldiers who died 80 years ago during World War Two

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 April 2023.

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• Littleborough and Wardle

Private Cyril Burke

Cyril was born in Prestwich on 16 May 1910, the son of Lawton Llewelyn and Abigaile Burke (who were married in Newtown, Monmouthshire) who in 1911 lived at 8 Angel Street, Blackley. His father was a leather dresser whilst his elder sister Alexander was at school. Older brothers Lawton and Ivor, like Cyril were still at home prior to going to school. By 1939 his father was living with a different woman, Mary, listed as his wife, so it is likely Cyril's mother Abigaile had died. At the time of Cyril's death, his father and step-mother lived in Smallbridge, Rochdale.

32-year-old Private Burke 3780056, 13th Bn, The Kings Regiment (Liverpool) - Chindit, died of wounds sustained trying to cross the River Shwell on 1 April 1943 and is remembered on Rangoon Memorial, Face 5, Myanmar and the Wardle War memorial.

Leading Stoker John Cragg

John was born on 9 January 1917 in Rochdale, the son of John and Hannah (nee Cavell) Cragg who in 1939 lived at 10 Mayfield Terrace, Rochdale with their four children, Walter, Mary, William and John.

John married Dorothy Frain from Bacup during March 1943 being married for just 13 days. In 1939 John was a coal trimmer but prior to joining the Navy in 1940 he worked for Breda Visada in Littleborough. 26-year-old Leading Stoker Cragg P/KX 108106, Royal Navy was mentioned in despatches. He later served on HMS Beverley - a reconditioned American Destroyer, which was sunk south west of Iceland by U-188 on 11 April 1943. Of a crew of 155, 151 were lost. John is remembered on Portsmouth Naval Memorial Panel 77, Column 3. and Breda Visada War Memorial now in Littleborough library.

Marine Thomas White

Thomas was born on 29 August 1924, the son of Mr & Mrs W H White (nee Pratt) of 7 Dyehouse Lane. They remained there in 1939. but later moved to No 8. Thomas married Constance Mobs in Littleborough on 10 December 1942. Prior to being called up at the age of 17 in the spring of 1942, Thomas worked for Messrs Sharples’ Dye Works, Ashbrook Hey, Wardle.

Marine White CH/X 108814, Royal Marines. HML CG (L) was unfortunately called up from marriage leave with the result that when only 18 years old he drowned with 72 others on 26 April 1943 when landing crafts (16) and (15) sank in heavy seas on their maiden voyage. They had been refused permission to enter Fishguard harbour to shelter and all perished including six more who were lost trying to save them. Thomas is remembered on Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 73, 2 and on Wardle War Memorial. At the time of his death, Constance, his widow lived at 37 Birch Road, Hurstead.

• Milnrow and Newhey

Sergeant Reginald Hulme

Reginald was born in London early in 1918, the son of Charles Harold and Martha Matilda Hulme (nee Thompson) of 59 Dale Street, Milnrow. He went to St James School in Milnrow before attending Rochdale High School for Boys. He married Mary Taylor of Heston, Middlesex in St James Church in Milnrow on 16 November 1940 and they had a daughter, Virginia born in 1942 in Brentford. Prior to joining up in 1940 he was employed as an Inspector in the Post Office Engineering Department in Liverpool.

24-year-old Sergeant Hulme 952518, No 3 GTS (Glider Training School), RAF Stoke Orchard, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, was killed on 8 April 1943 when his Hotspur II Glider BT989 crashed on landing at Northleach No 3 GTS. Reginald is buried in Milnrow (St. James) Churchyard, Old Portion, Row 2. Grave 13 and is remembered on Milnrow and St James War Memorials. At the time of his death, his widow and baby daughter lived at 9 Somerset Waye, Heston, Middlesex.

Sergeant James Frank Cowburn

James was born in Milnrow on 7 June 1921, the son of John and Mary Elizabeth Cowburn (nee Horrocks) and had a sister, Kathleen born in 1920. The family lived at 20 Ashfield Lane, Milnrow. James attended Bury Grammar School and was a member of the Milnrow Tennis Club and St James Football Club. Prior to enlisting in September 1940 he was a bank clerk at Barclays Bank in Piccadilly, Manchester.

James trained in Rhodesia, Africa and flew over many parts of that continent. However, at just 21 years old Sergeant Cowburn 1066695, 117 Squadron,. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed in action on 28 April 1943 when he was shot down in a Hudson whilst supplying troops. James is buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia, Grave No IV. E 5 and is remembered on Milnrow and St James War Memorials.