HEROES IN EVERY TOWN
LIVERPOOL’S wartime history – especially the city’s battering in the Blitz – is well known. But a few miles upstream, on opposite banks of the River Mersey, Runcorn and Widnes played their part in the major military conflicts of the 20th century.
During the First World War, large numbers of men from the towns served with the armed forces. Many fought and many died.
Most of the factories in the area contributed significantly to the production of goods and munitions for the war effort, so some local men were in reserved occupations during the conflict. Older children, too, worked in the munitions factories.
However, large numbers of women played an often overlooked role, and it is important to acknowledge and remember their contribution, too.
Although the First World War was mostly fought on the continent, in 1918 two bombs were dropped on
Widnes by a
German
Zeppelin air balloon. Both bombs fell in the area of
Bold and fortunately there were no casualties.
Today there is a damaged milestone with a plaque in
Victoria Park,
Widnes, commemorating the attack.
During the so-called Great War, both Runcorn and Widnes produced soldiers who were recognised for their bravery.
Private Thomas “Todger” Alfred Jones (1880–1956), from Runcorn, was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V, in 1916 for bravery in the face of enemy fire and for singlehandedly capturing over 100 German soldiers.
Also awarded the Victoria Cross was Flight Sergeant Thomas Mottershead (1892-1917), of the Royal Flying Corps, who had been born in Widnes. Following an attack by two German airplanes over Belgium, and having been badly burnt, Sergeant Mottershead managed to return his aircraft to Allied lines, saving the life of his passenger. Tragically, Sgt Mottershead died from his injuries five days later and was awarded his medal posthumously.
Commander Thomas Wilkinson (18981942) of the Royal Navy, from West Bank, Widnes, was also awarded the Victoria Cross in 1942. Sadly, this medal was also presented posthumously following the sinking of Commander Wilkinson’s ship in East Asia. It was awarded for inflicting significant damage on a Japanese naval force despite being heavily outnumbered.
In March 1941, a German aircraft was shot down over Widnes and landed on
Leigh Recreation Ground. The three surviving members of crew were captured.
On South Lane, Bold there was a
POW camp built to house Italian prisoners of war, many of whom worked as labourers on local farms.
Often overlooked in history, it is important to remember that every town and village in Britain has some story to tell, some significance in our long history, or some hero or heroine to remember and honour, and Widnes and Runcorn are no exceptions . . .