Gone but not forgotten

James Hough’s wallet

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A new display acknowledging Rochdale's part in the First World War opens at Touchstones Rochdale in commemoration of Remembrance Day.

‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ features poignant mementoes - like a wallet carried by James Hough of South Street, Rochdale, who was fatally wounded in the trenches. The wallet, kept by his family, contains photographs of his loved ones, and is shown alongside the words that his mother wrote to commemorate his death.

A pilot’s flying helmet, gloves and coat worn by William England who joined the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) in 1917 highlights those that took up the call to serve King and Country. At the time he was underage, a fact which was soon discovered, and he was not allowed to train as a pilot until he turned 18. William’s flying log book details training reconnaissance missions and bombing raids.

Two special exhibits are a gold watch presented to Joel Halliwell who won the Victoria Cross medal in 1918 after rescuing 10 wounded men from no man’s land and a collection of letters written from the front by James Pate to his sweetheart Gladys Challinor. These letters give a glimpse of life during the war and the hardships brought by separation.

Romance did not stop because of the war the exquisite wartime wedding dress of Edna Hoyle is also on display; the wedding party photograph shows her bridesmaid wearing on unusual outfit with skunk trim.

The objects on display tell a wealth of personal stories and complement the existing wartime collections already on display at the Museum.

Karen Heatley, Resource Officer at Touchstones Rochdale said: “We are immensely grateful for the support we have received from local people and for the wealth of material and stories which have come to light to help create these displays. We shall be changing the exhibits throughout the next 4 years that mark the centenary and we hope they will inspire more people to explore their own stories of World War I. The Local Studies Centre at Touchstones Rochdale is at hand to help individuals who are interested in tracing their First World War family history.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Rochdale Borough Council’s Lead Member for the Armed Forces, said: “This important archive will help preserve the memories and history of the borough’s involvement in the First World War and serve as a fitting commemoration to all those who played their part in the war or on the home front.”

These displays are part of the Gone But Not Forgotten project; a series of events, exhibitions and performances created to mark the centenary of the First World War. The ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ project has been established by Link4Life in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).