Two names added to war memorial
News article
Lytham Windmill
The heroism of two Fylde soldiers will be commemorated at a rededication service for Lytham’s war memorial.
The names of Sergeant Michael Chadwick and Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas, who died in 2009, have been carved into the memorial’s granite after a Fylde Council-backed drive to commemorate service-people who have died since the end of World War Two.
Representatives of the Royal Engineers and the Royal Logistical Corps, Fylde Council, churches and a range of voluntary groups will be at the service at noon on Sunday 26 September. The service will be led by Canon Andrew Clitherow of St Cuthbert’s CE Parish Church.
Corporal Marlton-Thomas was killed in Afghanistan in November while trying to disarm an explosive device.
Sergeant Chadwick died early in 2009. He was on active service in Afghanistan but was at home when he developed a sickness and died.
Councillor David Eaves, Fylde Council leader, said: “Fylde is proud to honour the memories of these two men who selflessly served their community.
“Every town in the country has a war memorial to people who died in the First and Second World Wars and it is right that they are updated. This is the least that we can do to commemorate the lives of these very brave soldiers.”
The campaign to find the names of Fylde service-people who have died on active service since WW2 was launched late last year by Ray Pinkstone, the uncle of Corporal Marlton Thomas, and Mike Coyle, a volunteer for the War Memorials’ Trust.
Mr Coyle said: “You would think that the Ministry of Defence would see to it that the names of people who die in conflict would automatically be added to memorials. That hasn’t been the case and it has been a major job trying to find out whose name should be added.
“There are families all over the country that must want to see family members’ names added to memorials. I’m proud that Fylde takes this matter seriously. The least that we can do is to pay respect for the huge sacrifice that people have made.”
Mr Pinkstone added: “Over the years local men have fought in Wars across the world. Their sacrifice continues to this day and memorials like this are a powerful reminder of their courage, dedication and service and a focal point for the community to share remembrance."
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