A LASTING memory to Bolton residents who lost their lives at Gallipoli is set to be unveiled.

The tribute in Queens Park has been built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the campaign in April 1915.

A special service dedicated to the 236 brave Bolton soldiers who lost their lives will take place tomorrow at 3pm.

The memorial — a six metre high sand stone obelisk — has been made and donated by the Horwich-based Armstrongs Group and is situated in the Promenade area of the park.

The obelisk will feature a brass plaque with the names of the Bolton men who lost their lives during the conflict.

Bolton Council has so far found the names of 236 Bolton men — but is expecting to add more names to the plaque as the research continues.

Members of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, which included men from Bolton, landed on the beach at Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25, 1915.

The Fusiliers were met by heavy fire, resulting in a large number of casualties.

The battalion was awarded a number of Victoria Cross medals for valour, famously referred to as “six VCs before breakfast”.

Tomorrow’s service will be conducted by the Rev Canon Matt Thompson who will be joined by the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Martin Donaghy and council leader Cliff Morris as well as other council representatives and local veterans.

Cllr Donaghy said: “For several months, as a town, we’ve been commemorating the centenary of the start of the First World War and I especially wanted to pay tribute to the Bolton men who lost their lives at Gallipoli — it is only fitting that they have a lasting memorial in the borough.

“The memorial will be in a central location in Queens Park, where everyone can visit and pay their respects should they wish to do so.

“Researching the names of the fallen is an on-going project and I’m sure there will be more servicemen that we don’t yet know about.”

Emma Armstrong, of Armstrongs Group, said: “We are very proud to be involved with this prestigious piece remembering the fallen in such an important event in the history of our country.

“We hope that many people will visit the memorial and have a fulfilling and uplifting experience.”

Bolton Library and Museum Services is currently researching the names of all Bolton soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War.

Visit www.boltonlams.co.uk for details of the Bolton War Memorials Project.