Award for 'bravest street in WWI'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/8253333.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A Greater Manchester street has been honoured as the "bravest little street in England" in memory of 161 male residents who fought in World War I.

A blue plaque was awarded to remember the men who joined up from 60 houses in Chapel Street, Altrincham.

King George V first singled out the street's courageous residents after it provided so many volunteers.

It was bulldozed in 1960 to build flats. The sign was erected by Trafford Council on the former site on Sunday.

The plaque was unveiled on the wall of an Italian restaurant which now stands on part of the location.

It reads: "Chapel Street Altrincham. From just 60 houses 161 men volunteered in the Great War 1914-18. Twenty-nine were killed. Recognised and praised by King George V"

Can you imagine? One hundred and sixty-one men from 60 homes going to war David Higgins, Mayor of Trafford

Of the street's recruits, 29 failed to return home.

Peter Hennerley, whose grandfather Hugh, was born in the street in 1879 and served in the war with the Cheshire Regiment, helped to organise the ceremony.

He said: "So many people from one street volunteering to go to war would not happen today."

Mr Hennerley's 11-year-old grandson, also called Peter, unveiled the memorial with Mayor of Trafford, David Higgins.

The plaque was dedicated by Army padre Rev Jerry Sutton, the Vicar of St Margaret's Church.

Relatives at ceremony

Councillor Higgins said: "I do not think that anyone cannot be moved by the tremendous sacrifices made.

"Can you imagine? One hundred and sixty-one men from 60 homes going to war."

More than 100 people attended the ceremony including relatives of some of the street's war veterans.

One was Gillian Davies, 39, of Timperley, whose grandfather David Norton was one of seven brothers who fought.

One of the brothers, Joe, won a Distinguished Conduct Medal and only one, James, died in service.

Ms Davies said: "They were very patriotic. Everyone was signing up so it was the done thing."