2015 marks the Centenary of the ill fated allied invasion of Gallipoli in which almost 600,000 Allies and Turkish soldiers were killed. Included in the British Forces were the men who formed 1/6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. These men were drawn mainly from Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Todmorden and what is today Greater Manchester. It is to the memory of the men of both sides and the recognition of their sacrifice this blog and the Reading The Century events have been facilitated by the Rochdale Co-operative Members Volunteer Group.
Local Area Roll of Honour

Heaven in the Devil's Pit

Blistering sun,dust and stings,
an altar composed of biscuit tins,
voices chorusing upon the wind,
forgive us Father for we have sinned.

Bullets moaning and sighing over head,
as Padre blesses communion bread,
a touch of heaven in the devil’s pit,
only soldiers, not angels, doing their bit.

© Shirley-Anne Kennedy 2015
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