Hundreds remember the fallen

Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to Remembrance Sunday services across the borough at the weekend.

And it was a very special occasion for former prisoner of war, 95-year-old Alf Davey, who was made VIP guest for the United Service of Remembrance held at Blackburn Cathedral and the wreath-laying at the Corporation Park Gardens.

Great grandad Alf said he had a fantastic day, accompanied by his daughter Jennifer Pickup and his son-in-law, Roy. Alf was introduced to the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Faryad Hussain, the leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Harry Catherall, chief executive of the Council.

He told The Shuttle it was a great honour that he had been asked to attend.

Alf was captured by the Japanese along with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment in Singapore, on February 15, 1942.

During his captivity, Alf helped build the Burma to Thailand railway – 12,600 British, Dutch and Australian prisoners and 8,600 local workers died during their ordeal.

Alf’s was one of many services that took place, all organised by the Royal British Legion and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Councillor Khan said:

We must never forget the sacrifice people made during those terrible conflicts. I was delighted to meet Alf and his family. I hope people learn more about the Far East conflict in the Second World War.”

The Mayor said:

Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day are important events. It was good to see such a good turnout. We must never forget and always remember the fallen who sacrificed their lives so we could have a better future today.”

On Saturday, a short service took place at Darwen Market Square at 11am, outside Darwen Town Hall, followed by a wreath-laying event at the Belgrave Square Boer War Memorial.

There was also a service at St Paul’s School, Hoddlesden, on Remembrance Sunday morning and at St. Peter’s Church in Darwen, in the afternoon.

On Wednesday, November 11, dozens of people turned out for a two minute silence at Blackburn Town Hall and Darwen Town Hall at 11am.

More pictures here: www.flickr.com/blackburn-with-darwen