Borough to remember the Gulf War

25th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War will be held in Rochdale on Friday 26 February at 5pm at Rochdale Cenotaph

A ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War will be held in Rochdale on Friday 26 February at 5pm at Rochdale Cenotaph.

The service will mark the 25th Anniversary of the war and Operation Granby, the name given to British military operations during the conflict.

Almost 54,000 British troops were deployed on Operation Granby in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait and 47 paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Over the last year or so a lot of attention has rightly been given to commemorate the First World War.

"Although the Gulf War was not as devastating, 47 British servicemen lost their lives and each and everyone one of them deserves to be remembered. Those who did come home should be honoured for the hardship they endured.

"There will also be people in our borough affected by the conflict and I would hope they are able to take part in the service.”

The Gulf War lasted until 28 February 1991 and ended in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq.

Commemorations of the Gulf War will continue on Saturday 27 February when a festival will be held at Rochdale Town Hall.

Tickets and details for this event will be available from mid-January.