THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THE MEN FROM THE PARISH
OF ST MATTHEW'S CHURCH, HIGHFIELD, WIGAN. WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
DURING THE GREAT WAR OF 1914 TO 1918
Highfield is a small district to the south of Wigan. In 1914 the area was dominated by the huge Pemberton Colliery. As in the whole of the country, men of this area answered the countrys call to arms. After four years of bitter fighting the war ended, to a terrible cost. Huge numbers of casuaties were inflicted on both sides. This local area was no exception. All over the country memorials were built to honour the dead. St Matthew's church in Highfield was no different. This website honours the fifty one local men who are commemorated on the Memorial.
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
My own interest in the Great War started a number of years ago, when I saw a letter that was sent to my great grandmother, from my great grandfather's Commanding Officer, informing her how he died. From that moment on I have been wanting to know more about this turbulent piece of British history. I was attending a wedding in St Matthews church, and was seated near this memorial, I wondered where and how these brave local men lost their lives fighting for this country. I hope this web site will go some way to ensure these men are not forgotten.
This site is an ongoing project, I am sure there are people who may have more information or photographs on any of the men. One or two of the men are particulary difficult to trace, but I am positive i will be able to do so shortly. As I do not profess to be an expert, if there are any mistakes please contact myself Nick Cross
My next project will be a website to all the men who worked at Pemberton Collieries who lost their lives in the Great War, many of whom are not on any memorials.