Vet Harry gets a second ‘gong’

A FORCES veteran has received his second award for his work to remember those who died fighting for their country.

Harry Carlisle, 83, from Rainow, has been given a Pride of Macclesfield Civic Award in recognition of his commitment to educating people on local and world history.

It follows the award of a British Empire Medal in the last Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to World War I and II Remembrance.

For the last eight years Harry has continuously researched the two world wars and those who lost their lives in them.

He has had five books published, including For the Freedom of Us All and (which) contained all servicemen on war memorials in North East Cheshire.

The civic award was actually given last year but its presentation was delayed because of the pandemic.

Mayor for 2019-20

Councillor Janet

Jackson has now handed it to Harry at Macclesfield Town Hall.

He said: “Over the past eight years I have worked continually on researching WWI and WWII casualties and have produced many books on the subject.

“To receive this award was very humbling, but very much appreciated for the recognition of my commitment to the community, and I thank those that nominated for this award.”

The former Grenadier Guard is also a member of Cheshire Villages Great War Society (CVGWS) and has spent long periods of time in Macclesfield Silk Museum looking at old papers to find information.

He has a son, daughter and two grandchildren and describes wife Jean as a huge support in his work.

Both Harry’s and Jean’s grandfathers died in the Battle of Passchendaele in World War I.