CADETS and Royal British Legion branches from Saddleworth, Oldham and beyond paid their respects at the 48th anniversary memorial service for the M62 coach bombing.
Cadets from 2200 Oldham Squadron were joined by cadets from 250 Halifax Squadron and 59 Huddersfield Squadron for the event at Hartshead Moor Services, close to where the attack happened.
Standards from many local Royal British Legion branches and other ex-service associations along with veterans, bike units, and local dignitaries also took part in the parade.
Standards were carried for 2200 Oldham Sqn by Cdt Sgt Katie Urlwin, Lees & District RBL by Cdt Cpl Brandon Laban, and Saddleworth RBL by Alison Clowes.
The service marked almost half a century since the incident on February 4, 1974 when a commissioned coach taking off duty Armed Forces Personnel back to Catterick Garrison was attacked.
Shortly after midnight when the coach was between J26 and J27 the bomb, which was concealed in a suitcase in the luggage department, detonated.
The explosion killed 11 people and wounded over 30 others, one of whom died four days later.
Among the dead were nine soldiers – two from the Royal Artillery, three from the Royal Corps of Signals and four from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. 12 others suffered severe injuries, including a six-year-old boy, who was badly burned.
Four of the servicemen killed were teenagers and all but one of the serving personnel killed in the explosion hailed from Greater Manchester.
One member of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers killed in the explosion was 23-year-old Corporal Clifford Haughton, whose wife, Linda, also 23, and sons Lee, 5, and Robert, 2, were also killed.
All four had been sitting directly above the bomb, and all were killed instantly.
Again it would be very helpful if you could let us know in advance of anything local that is scheduled and not after the event I am sure that many people would attend them if they had known could you find room for a list in the Inde thank you you do a great job 9
This Years Service will be held on the 5th of February 2023,
As a ex member of the Royal Artillery, having served 37.5 yrs . This was one of the most cowardly actions taken against the British army on the 4th February 1974. As the current chairman of the Royal British Legion York , I will be honoured to attend the memorial service this year with a few members and The Branch Standard with the Beanch Standard Bearer, ex Coldstream Guards.