The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition Group on Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has welcomed the recent naming of a street in a new housing development off High Barn Street in Royton after a First World War hero.

One of the streets has been named after Sergeant John Hogan, a winner of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military award.

Sergeant Hogan, who came from Royton, was serving in the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment when he was awarded his Victoria Cross for recapturing a trench near Festubert in October 1914. Sergeant Hogan received his V C from King George V in 1915.

Commenting Councillor Sykes said: “In 2014, the Liberal Democrats asked the Administration to name local streets after V C winners to honour and remember them. We recognised that it was our duty to remember the bravery of these heroes who fought so hard for king and country.”

“It is gratifying to see that our suggestion is now being put into practice.”

Copy of my Question 10 Sept 2014: Question 3 – Honouring The Great War Heroes

My third question concerns our recognition of three local men who in the First World War won Britain’s highest military award, The Victoria Cross.  I am sure the Leader will recall the correspondence that he received last year from my colleague, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr John McCann, requesting that local streets be named after local heroes.

Local Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has commissioned commemorative paving stones to be laid as a mark of honour and remembrance in the locality of every Great War VC winner.  In announcing the initiative, Mr Pickles said: “It’s our duty to remember the British and Commonwealth troops who lost their lives fighting in the Great War and we are determined to make sure their bravery for King and Country is not forgotten.”  Sentiments that I am sure the Leader will endorse.

Three paving stones will be received for local heroes John Hogan, of Royton; Walter Mills, of Oldham; and Thomas Steele, of Springhead.  Lest we forget their heroic deeds, please allow me to give a brief summary.

Sergeant John Hogan, of the 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment, received his VC from King George V in 1915.  He was awarded the VC for recapturing a trench near Festubert in October, 1914.

Private Walter Mills was awarded the VC posthumously after he was caught in a gas attack on the Western Front in December 1917. Despite being gassed, a truly horrible fate, he remained at his post alone, throwing grenades until the enemy retreated.

Private Thomas Steele served with the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).  He was awarded his VC for an action in January, 1917, when he helped a comrade carry a machine gun into position under heavy fire.

Can I ask the Leader if he and Councillor Ball will agree to work with me, Cllr McCann and ward members to identify new developments where these gallant men might have local streets named after them?