Looking for help in locating lost soldiers

The Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society is looking for help in locating a number of lost soldiers from Littleborough.

The group has recently been commemorating soldiers who fell during 1914 but as no Littleborough soldiers fell during late November and December 1914, the society is taking the opportunity to try and trace a total of 10 soldiers from Littleborough that they cannot find.

The first two soldiers that the group wants to trace are Frank and James Lavin, both of whom are remembered on local war memorials.

Frank Lavin is named on the St Barnabas Church War Memorial and is also included on numerous lists within the St Barnabas Parish Magazine as having enlisted with the Manchester Regiment.

The Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society cannot trace the soldier of his name serving and falling whilst within that Regiment.

James Lavin is named on the Littleborough War Memorial but the group cannot confirm who the soldier was and which regiment he served.

The 1911 census included a family who moved to Littleborough from St Helens. This family included a Francis and James Lavin who lived with their mother Margaret and their three brothers and three sisters at 42 James Street, Littleborough.

Also named on the Littleborough War memorial is John Lavin who was born in St Helens in 1897 but by 1911, he lived at 2 Paul Row, Calderbook, Littleborough with his father John and step mother Margaret. John Lavin served as Private 32297 Jack Lavin serving in the Lancashire Fusiliers.

He will be remembered by the group on 9 September 2016.

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help with information surrounding the soldiers should contact the Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society on 01706 838385.