M62 bus bomb victims are remembered

SOLEMN MOMENT Mourners at a previous service.

Soldiers killed by an IRA bus bombing on the M62 were remembered at Hartshead Moor services on Sunday during the 41st anniversary commemoration.

Eleven died outright when the coach carrying off-duty members of the Army and their families exploded near Hartshead on February 4, 1974. Another victim died four days later.

Hartshead Moor services were used as an impromptu first aid camp.

Derrick Yates, of Cliffe Lane, Gomersal, helped out at the old Batley hospital on the night of the bombing, when his wife was called in as back-up in the X-ray unit.

“I took her down and was roped into acting as a porterm,” he said.

“The service was a dignified occasion.

“Everyone is happy that it takes place because after41 years these people must never, ever be forgotten.”

It was attended by more than 200 people, including various dignitaries like the Mayoress of Kirklees Christine Smith,

The service is organised by the Oldham Branch Fusilier Association (Lancashire), because many of the victims are from there.