Godley Hill

Site: 

As one turns up Godleyhill Road from Mottram Road the memorial is on the right-hand side, cheek-by-jowl with the large industrial complex belonging to food manufacturers Matteson-Wall's

Originally, the monument was in what the press of the time described as "a handsome park." Nowadays, the memorial is a little dilapidated and stands almost forgotten among a few trees - all that remains of the park.

Description:

The monument, "a small obelisk" made of granite, is in the centre of a circular flower bed, and the area is surrounded by a low wall. Access is through the small metal gates, both of which bear the date 1953.  In front of the memorial, on the flower bed, is a cube-shaped white receptacle for holding flowers bearing the words "In memory of the fallen of Godley Hill"

On the flower-bed wall are stumps which once would have been connected with chains.

Front

"Erected in honour and deep gratitude to the men who fought for liberty and freedom in the great world war 1914-1919."

Beneath is written "Unveiled by Daniel Adamson of Longlands, July 17th, 1920.”

Right

"Fallen” Lt Daniel Adamson, Pte Alec Bowker, Gunner William Brookes, Pte Tom Eddings, Sgt John Purssglove, 1914-1919.

1939-1945: Pte Eric Ballaens, Pilot Officer Harry N. Davies DFC, Flight Engineer Sergeant Harold Jackson, Pte Ernest Miller, Pte Joseph Miller.

Back

Sgt Ernest Beal, Sgt Alfred Barton, Pte David Bardsley, Pte Wiliam Bullough, Cpl George Gibson, Sgt R.P. Hutchin, Driver William Hughes, Pte Fred Howarth, Driver William Knowles, Pte William Kirkham, Lt Ernest Lee, Pte William Smalley, Pte James Taylor, Pte Ernest Wilkinson, Pte Thomas Wilkinson, Pte Harold Widdowson, Pte Walter Walker.

Left

Lt George R Adamson, Pte Sidney Beal, Pte Harry Critchlow, Pte Frank Critchlow, Cpl George Coombes, Sapper Vere Foster, Pte Edward Hewitt, Driver William Jackson, Pte Herbert Jones, Pte Arthur Jones, Sgt J. William Oldham, Pte Frank Oldham, Pte Herbert A. Price, Gunner John Swann, Pte Edward Smith, Gunner J. William Turner, Pte Arthur Fernley. 

History: 

Mr G.H. Turner, chairman of the memorial committee, presided at the unveiling ceremony on July 17, 1920.

A parade led by members of the Audenshaw St. Stephen’s Church Lads’ Brigade led a parade featuring many ex-servicemen from nearby Godley railway viaduct "Godley Arches”.

After the singing of "O God Our Help in Ages Past” prayers were led by the Rev. F.H. Coveney of St. John’s, Godley, then members of Hyde Choral Society sang "Into the Silent Land”.

The memorial was then unveiled by Daniel Adamson who made a short speech noting that £130 had been raised.  More singing followed, and the ceremony concluded with the Last Post.