Graves of Victoria Cross heroes cleaned in honour of their sacrifices

Sergeant James Clarke’s private family grave

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Victoria Cross recipients are being honoured by making sure their final resting places are fit for the heroes they are.

Many Victoria Cross graves around the country are in a poor state of repair but Rochdale Council has ensured that the graves of the area’s VC heroes, who bravely fought for their country and received the greatest military honour, are in the good condition they should be.

Ahead of this year’s World War One Centenary commemorations the gravestones of Private Anthony Palmer, of Heywood, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell and Sergeant James Clarke have been cleaned with further plans to restore.

The council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate armed forces personnel back into civilian life. They now have strong links with the Royal British Legion who also sit on the covenant board.

Current or ex Armed Forces personnel can register for help or get more information by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces. If they encounter difficulties when accessing services from the council, or its partners, email armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk or call the council on 01706 926989.