Remembering more who gave their lives

FEBRUARY 1917 claimed the lives of at least seven LITTLEBOROUGH soldiers.

Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society (LHAS) is continuing to commemorate those with links to the town who fell during the First World War, 100 years after their deaths.

The fallen included 20-year-old Fred Stead of Brook Street, who was shot at dawn for desertion on February 12. He was later pardoned and a plaque remembering his death is at Littleborough Cenotaph.

Pte Dennis Roberts, of Gatehouse, was killed in France on February 6, aged 30, leaving his widow, Nina.

Driver Thomas Lewis, of Smithy Bridge, died the following day from illness in France, aged 50, leaving Martha and their son, Richard.

Pte Arthur Collens, 34, of Frederick Street, lost his life on February 9 from acute bronchitis.

Pte Major Dawson Gibson, of Sutcliffe Street, died on February 11, aged just 20, from illness.

Pte Gilbert Wood Dickinson, of Deanhurst, died in action, aged 27, on February 23.

For more information, visit littleboroughshistory. org. ●●Littleborough soldiers who lost their lives in February 1917 included (from the left): Pte Gilbert Wood Dickinson, Pte Arthur Collens, Driver Thomas Lewis and Pte Dennis Roberts