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 October 2023.

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• Smallbridge

Able Seaman Thomas Bamford

Thomas was born on 4th July 1919, the son of Noel and Eliza Bamford who were married at St John the Baptist church in 1900. In 1939 his widowed mother lived with his three sisters at 3 Windham Street, Smallbridge. Prior to joining up Thomas had previously attended Smallbridge Congregational Church Sunday School.

24-year-old Able Seaman Bamford D/SSX 20155, Royal Navy was killed on 22nd October 1943 when crewing HMS Hurworth off the Greek Island of Kalymnos, one of the Greek Dodecanese islands. HMS Adrias was damaged by a mine explosion. HMS Hurworth, close by, was manoeuvring to come alongside but it too was struck by a mine. There was a flash which reached a height of at least 300 feet. HMS Hurworth was thrown into the air, and the ship disappeared instantly with the loss of all men on-board (133 lives). He is remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 78, Column 3.

• Milnrow

Able Seaman Gunner Norman Wilkinson

Norman was born on 26th July 1920 the son of Robert and Emily Wilkinson of 5 Two Bridges Road Newhey Rochdale, Lancashire. Norman married Kathleen Moran in St Pancras in 1942.

23-year-old Able Seaman Gunner Wilkinson C/JX 22189, HMS. President III s s Baron Semple Royal Navy, was killed on 30th October 1943 when his ship was sunk by U-848, which itself was sunk on 5th November 1943. Norman is remembered on Chatham Naval Memorial, Panel No 70, 1 and on the Milnrow War Memorial

Sapper Frank Cahoon

Frank was born in Rochdale on 21st August 1911 the son of John and Mary Cohoon (nee Grimes), of Newhey, Lancashire; In 1939 Frank lived at No 2 Sheaf Street, Haugh, Newhey and was a General Labourer. Frank married Rhoda Elizabeth Mills 1940 but after his death was remarried to Harold Shorrocks in 1945. Sapper Frank Cahoon spoke with General Montgomery who asked about how many cigarettes they had. Hearing the response Monty replied “Have some of mine” and gave the squad some 200 cigarettes. 32-year-old Sapper Cahoon 2155472, 214 Field Coy. Royal Engineers was killed on 31st October 1943 and is buried in Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy, Grave No XV A 41 and is remembered on Milnrow War Memorial.

Aircraftman 2nd Class Vernon Cocker

Vernon was born in Crompton on 11th December 1902, the son of late John Arthur Cocker and Ann Hitchen (his mother remarried James Hitchen in 1906 and in 1911 the family lived at 2 Fern Street Shaw. Vernon married Edith Rothwell in St Thomas's Church, Newhey on 25th December 1925. In 1939 Vernon was an assistant shot firer working in a local brickworks. He lived at 79 Huddersfield Road with his wife (35 – a ring spinner in a cotton mill) and their 13-year-old son, Derek. Prior to being called up in 1942 Vernon was employed as a labourer with the Milnrow UDC and was a member of the local Liberal club. 40-year-old Aircraftman 2nd Class Cocker 2200680, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve died in a Paddington hospital on 31st October 1943 and was buried in Milnrow (St. James) Churchyard, New Portion. Row K, Grave 30 and is remembered on the Milnrow War Memorial.