Todmorden Pals receive civic welcome in Rochdale at First World War commemoration event

After their rainstorm send-off this morning, sunshine, a cheering crowd and a civic reception greeted the Todmorden Pals of the reformed 1/6th Lancashire Fusiliers when they reached Rochdale.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2014, 19:10 BST
Sunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration marchSunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration march
Sunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration march

Along with men from Rochdale and Middelton, their 1914 forebears made up the Territorial Army’s 6th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers and a hundred years ago they marched to the mustering point at Rochdale days after Britain entered the war.

The tribute march began in horrendous conditions but sunshine greeted them when they reached Rochdale.

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A full scale civic reception and commemoration service followed, followed by tea, soup and - for some by this stage very thirsty Tommies - beer, served in the beautiful Rochdale Town Hall.

Sunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration marchSunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration march
Sunshine greeted the Todmorden Pals when they reached Rochdale on their first world war commemoration march

Civic heads taking part included the Mayor and Mayoress of Todmorden, Coun Michael Gill and Nikki Gill.

Bus company First laid on transport to bring the 2014 volunteers back to Todmorden, where another reception awaited them at the United Services Club in White Hart Fold.

Despite the conditions, those taking part said they were very glad they had, at what was an emotional and proud experience.

Related topics:RochdaleTodmordenBritain