New Elizabeth Cross sparks appeal to honour local veterans

Date published: 06 April 2010

The Manchester Regiment Malayan Veterans Association is looking for relatives of 14 fallen soldiers who are eligible to receive the new Elizabeth Cross.

The appeal comes as the Army Heritage Branch donates a specimen copy of the new Elizabeth Cross to the Museum of the Manchester Regiment based in Ashton Town Hall.

The Elizabeth Cross, which will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism in a mark of national recognition for their loss, is the first award to be given the name of a reigning monarch since the George Cross in 1940.

And it will not just be granted to families who have lost loved ones in the recent operations. The Queen's recognition will also be available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Malayan Emergency, Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.

Tom Rodulson, of the Malayan Veterans Association, said: "A lot of the young lads who lost their lives were national servicemen and until the introduction of the Elizabeth Cross and scroll there was no recognition of what they did while they were out there. This new award acknowledges the fact that they gave their lives for king and country and we want to ensure those eligible are honoured through their families."

Councillor Jackie Lane, project head for heritage and tourism said: “We are honoured that the MoD has donated a specimen copy of the Elizabeth Cross. We have placed it on public display in our ‘Remembrance’ section here in the Museum, alongside original grave markers from the Boer War, First World War and Second World War. We hope that this small display is a lasting tribute to the men of the Manchester Regiment that have paid the ultimate sacrifice”.

The fallen soldiers of 1st Battalion the Manchester Regiment are: Max Woodhead Raingill, Jim Broadbent, Ian Edward Fitzpatrick, Thomas Henry Patrick Arrands, William Bailey, Eric Buckley, Alexander Cooper, John Grady, Malcolm Harrison, Kenneth Hiscox, Terrence Kelly, Edward McGibbon, Richard Henry Smith and Thomas Traynor.

Relatives of the above men are asked to contact Garry Smith, curator at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment on 0161 342 2254 or garry.smith1@tameside.gov.uk 

Media enquiries including photo requests can also be directed to Garry using the contact details above.