Fairfield Lane, Barrow-in-Furness, 27th October 1915 #BarrowHero #VC #WW1

NeverForget

A crisp autumn air hangs over Fairfield Lane, the smell of coal smoke mingling with the sweet scent of fallen leaves. Barrow-in-Furness is abuzz with excitement today! Cheers erupt from the throngs of people lining the street, their faces beaming with pride. We gather here to honour a local lad, a true hero of the Great War – Lieutenant William Forshaw, Victoria Cross recipient! (#Barrow #WW1Hero)

Though William may have spent his formative years teaching in Manchester, Barrow remains his proud birthplace. And today, the town welcomes him back not as a teacher, but as a soldier of exceptional courage. Flags flutter in the breeze, their bright colours a stark contrast to the grey uniforms of the soldiers standing at attention.

News of his actions during the Gallipoli Campaign has reached every corner of the nation. For 41 gruelling hours, Lieutenant Forshaw, amidst the deafening roar of artillery fire and the stinging smell of gunpowder, held his ground against relentless Turkish attacks. With unwavering determination, he hurled not just conventional grenades, but even makeshift bombs fashioned from jam tins – a testament to his resourcefulness in the face of adversity. (#Gallipoli #Heroism)

Imagine him there: the grit of the trenches beneath his fingernails, the taste of dust in his mouth. The image of Lieutenant Forshaw, his cough a reminder of the harsh conditions endured, yet his spirit unbroken, throwing grenades with a cigarette dangling from his lips, has become a symbol of unwavering courage.

And his bravery didn’t stop there. Even after relief arrived, he volunteered to stay and continue directing the defence. When a portion of the trench fell to the enemy, Lieutenant Forshaw, with nerves of steel, took down three Turkish soldiers and reclaimed the lost ground. The clatter of rifle fire echoed through the air as he fought, the metallic tang of blood heavy in the air.

His actions, his leadership, his unwavering spirit – these are the qualities we celebrate today! The brass band strikes up a triumphant tune, the sound resonating through the crowd.

This presentation of the photograph captures a moment of immense pride for Barrow. It’s a reminder that heroism can emerge from the most unexpected places – a local teacher turned soldier, forever etched in the annals of bravery.

Lieutenant William Forshaw V.C., we salute you!

May your story inspire generations to come! #BarrowSalutes #Inspiration #WW1Legacy #NeverForget