IT has been described as one of the most courageous actions ever conducted by British armed forces, and the Battle of Gallipoli has reason to be commemorated in Bury more than most.

The bravery shown on the morning of April 25, 1915, by the 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey has been remembered ever since, and on Sunday the annual parade through the streets of Bury town centre took place.

Yes, the battle famously resulted in the award of six Victoria Crosses “before breakfast”, but the successful capture of “W Beach”, resulted in up to 700 members of the regiment being killed or wounded.

The streets on Sunday were not exactly packed with spectators - perhaps they had barbecues to attend - but for those who were there, it was an emotional event.

They were showing respect not only those young men, decorated and undecorated, from 104-years-ago but also the many representatives of the armed forces who were marching in the parade.

These included veterans, those currently serving and cadets

People like Fusilier Major Jason Hunt, whose wife, Emma, and two young sons Alexander and Sebastian, were dressed smartly and applauded him in the march past.

Colonel Brian Gorski MBE, DL, who was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in October 1976 and is now chairman of the Fusilier Museum Bury, spoke about the “family spirit” of the occasion

“Even 101-years on from the end of World War 1, we are still joined together as a family,” he said.

The unveiling of a new stone memorial in Gallipoli Garden recognised all 18 Lancashire Fusilier who received the Victoria Cross.

The memorial has an important play in the town as, barring disasters, it will remain there for ever more.

Hopefully, it will inspire future generations to delve further in to what it represents and strengthen home-town pride.