Chorley Pals' relatives at book launch (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley Pals' relatives at book launch

11:04am Monday 6th July 2009

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Relatives of the Chorley Pals joined two local authors for a launch of a book on the First World War heroes.

Steve Williams and John Garwood launched their new book at Chorley Library on July 1, 93 years to the day from when the Chorley Company went over the top at the start of the battle of the Somme.

Around 10 descendents of the soldiers attended the event.

Some 40 books have already been sold raising over £500 for the Pals Memorial appeal, with all proceeds going towards inscribing the 223 names of the original Pals on the plinth of the £60,000 statue.

The statue, of a single soldier in uniform, will be installed on the Flat Iron market square, a location where the men paraded regularly before going to war.

Steve, who is secretary and co-founder of the Pals memorial said: “It was very satisfying to see the relatives of so many of the soldiers at the launch.

“Their help has been invaluable with our research, providing pictures and personal histories of the men and we look forward to seeing them at the unveiling.”

Copies of the book can be purchased from any branch of Chorley Building Society or direct from the Chorley Pals Memorial by calling 01254 854298.

An exhibition about the Chorley Pals will be in Chorley central Library until the end of July, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about how the Pals were formed, the attack at Serre on the July 1, 1916 and the locations of where many are buried on the Somme battlefield.

Author Steve Williams has organised an eight day coach trip from Chorley to the WW1 battlefields of northern France and Belgium in late May 2010.

The trip will visit the Chorley Pals trenches on the Somme, as well as the Thiepval Memorial, Arras, Vimy Ridge and the Menin Gate at Ypres.

Anyone interested should call the number above for a brochure and booking form.

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