The graves of James Clarke and Joel Halliwell are private family graves. As regards the grave of Anthony Palmer, the council has located surviving family members and they have agreed to transfer the responsibility of the maintenance of the grave to Rochdale Borough Council.

[ London Gazette, 6 January 1919 ], Happegarbe, France, 2 November 1918, Sergeant James Clarke, 15th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack at Happegarbe on 2nd November 1918, when in command of a platoon, he led his men forward with great determination, and, on being held up by heavy machine-gun fire, rushed forward through a thick, strongly held ridge, captured in succession four machine guns and single-handed bayonetted the crews.

Later, he led the remnants of his platoon to the capture of three machine guns and many prisoners. In the later stages of the attack on the same day, when his platoon was held up by enemy machine guns, he successfully led a Tank against them over very exposed ground. Continuing the attack on 3rd November, after capturing many prisoners and gaining his objective, he organised his line most skilfully and held up the enemy. On 4th November, in the attack on the Oise-Sambre Canal, under heavy fire from the Canal bank, he rushed forward with a Lewis gun team in the face of an intense barrage, brought the gun into action, effectively silenced the enemy’s fire, thus enabling his company to advance and gain their objectives.

Throughout the whole of these operations Sergeant Clarke acted with magnificent bravery and total disregard of personal safety, and by his gallantry and high sense of duty set an inspiring example to all ranks.

[ London Gazette, 25 July 1918 ], Muscourt, France, 27 May 1918, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell, 11th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers

For most conspicuous bravery and determination displayed during the withdrawal of the remnants of the Battalion when closely engaged with the enemy ( Muscourt, France ). Lance Corporal Halliwell, having captured a stray enemy horse, rode out under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire and rescued a wounded man from "No Man’s Land" He repeated this performance several times, and succeeded in rescuing one officer and nine other ranks. He made another effort to reach a wounded man, but was driven back by the very close advance of the enemy.

His conduct was magnificent throughout, and was a splendid and inspiring example to all who saw him.

[ London Gazette, 24 February 1857 ], Inkermann, Crimean War, 5 November 1854, Private Anthony Palmer, 3rd Bn, Grenadier Guards

Present when the charge was made in defence of the Colours, and also charged singly upon the enemy, as witnessed by Sir Charles Russell; is said to have saved Sir Charles Russell’s life.

SUMMARY – At the Battle of Inkermann, Private Palmer was one of three men who charged with Sir Charles Russell as he attempted to dislodge a party of Russians from the Sandbag Battery. He saved Sir Charles’ life by shooting down a Russian who was about to bayonet him. He was also one of a small band which, by a desperate charge against overwhelming numbers, saved the Colours of the battalion from capture. He was made a Corporal on parade the next morning.