Middleton street named in honour of VC hero Joel Halliwell

Deputy Chief Executive Linda Fisher; Armed Forces Officer Stuart Hay; Dora Joel Halliwell's daughter and council leader Colin Lambert unveil the new street sign

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Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell V.C, Middleton’s Victoria Cross recipient, was recognised with the unveiling of a street sign in his honour in the town centre. Corporation Street is now LCpl Joel Halliwell V.C. Way.

A large crowd gathered for a short ceremony unveiling the new street sign, exactly 96 years to the day since his act of bravery.

The poignant service included words from Shauna Dixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Captain Joe Eastwood from the Lancashire Fusiliers Association, and Rochdale Borough Council leader Colin Lambert.

Shauna Dixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester said: “It is excellent to see Joel’s achievements being recognised in this way. The Armed Forces truly deserve our support and recognition.”

Captain Joe Eastwood from the Lancashire Fusiliers Association talked about the history of the fusiliers and said he was very proud: “Joel epitomised the very ethos of the fusiliers’ motto ‘Omnia Audax’, which means ‘Daring in All Things’, he was a true hero.”

Council Leader Colin Lambert said Rochdale Borough Council’s street naming ceremony recognised the bravery of Joel Halliwell and illustrated the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces and the Armed Forces Community covenant: “Today is another proud day for Middleton, the whole borough and for Joel’s family. It was great to see so many members of the Middleton community turn out to support three generations of Joel Halliwell’s family, who were in attendance today.

"This is the second street we have re-named in honour of a military achievement and we have a couple more planned for later this year. Street renaming is one of many schemes we have introduced to raise the profile of the work that our Armed Forces do, sacrificing their lives each day and these street renaming’s will leave a lasting legacy.

"Soldiers deserve our respect and appreciation for the sacrifices they make and the council has a programme of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of First World War.”

Joel Halliwell VC was a lance-corporal in the 11th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. After the war he was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest military honour for valour in the face of possible death. He returned to his home in Middleton after the war and was landlord at the New Inn on Long Street. He was buried in Boarshaw cemetery in 1958.