THEY are the forgotten heroes of a brutal conflict which claimed the lives of millions.

Killed in action in the First World War, some were never found.

But we will remember them.

For their stories will be told this Saturday, as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations in Victoria Square, by historian Charles Sandbach.

“Despite the passage of time, it should never be forgotten that the majority of the 3,500 men from Bolton, and more from the surrounding area, were volunteers, they were civilians,” he said.

“The men we remember this weekend gave their lives in horrific circumstances.”

Mr Sandbach, aged 43, from Astley Bridge, has amassed a collection of medals, papers, letters and photographs from Bolton soldiers involved in the First World War.

Some of these brave soldiers’ stories have never been told.

Take the contrasting, but equally tragic tales of Corporal William Ramsden and Private Albert Marsden.

At 38, father-of-two Bill Ramsden was one of the oldest men in Bolton to volunteer.

He was not required to enlist, but he did so — because he felt it was his duty.

The Great Lever soldier was promoted twice in the field and was wounded in action before being sent back to the front line to take part in the bloody battle of Arras.

He was killed aged 40 on April 9, 1917 — the very first day of the battle, as he led his section against German artillery and machine gun fire.

Farnworth soldier Pte Marsden, of the 6th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was just 18.

He was killed in action in the most horrific and notorious battle the famous Loyal North Lancs ever fought, at the highest point of Gallipoli, Chunuk Bair.

A few hundred British men had been detailed to hold the position after relieving troops from New Zealand in the early hours of August, 10, 1915. The Turkish attacked with 20,000 men.

“It was his first taste of action,” added Mr Sandbach. “They were bayoneted to death. Only one man survived.

“Albert would have been fighting off 10 or 12 men. He’d have had no chance. He was just a boy.”

Ahead of Armed Forces Day, Mr Sandbach took part of his collection to the Town Hall to show the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Byrne.

Cllr Byrne praised the work of the local historian. He said: “Charles has done all this work to keep their memory alive. He has done an excellent job and it is so important that we remember these brave men.”

steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk