War memorial service honours Dewsbury soldier Corporal Jake Hartley

They gathered to remember 24 servicemen and women from the town whose names were added to the memorial as a lasting tribute.

Standing alongside standard bearers from local military associations, the then Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Eric Firth, said: “They will be honoured by the people of this town forever.”

The name of Corporal Jake Hartley, of 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, was among those added.

His mum, Nathalie Taylor, said: “I think Jake would be wowed by this. He would be absolutely moved.”

She said was pleased that Dewsbury was the first place to make a lasting tribute to the 20-year-old, who died in Afghanistan in March.

“Dewsbury was the place where Jake was born and had most of his upbringing so to me it’s been fitting and right,” she said. “He deserved to have his name there, likewise all the others.”

Her sentiments were shared by the family of Private Peter Martin Callaghan, of 1st Battalion The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was killed in 1955 in Aden, Yemen, and buried there.

Pte Callaghan’s brother, Brian Callaghan, 80, said: “It broke my mum and dad’s heart. You never forget about it. We can’t go to visit his grave but we have something here. It’s an honour.”

Standard bearers from the British Legion, Royal Air Force Association and British Korean Veterans Association stood alongside members of Dewsbury Team Parish throughout the poignant service.

Tomorrow, Cpl Hartley will be remembered once more when Dewsbury Minster hosts a special memorial service at 2.30pm.

The service, organised by Cpl Hartley’s family, is for anyone who knew him or who wants to pay their respects.

The 24 names added to the memorial were: Private Peter Martin Callaghan; Private Andrew David Chappell; Private James Eggett; Ordinary Seaman Edward Farrance; Corporal Peter Malcolm Hainsworth; Corporal Jake Joseph Hartley; Private Garry Holmes; Fusilier Alfred James; Private Roy Lord; Corporal Gerard Moran; Gunner George William Naylor; Leading Radio Operator (W) John Bruce Parker; Aircraft Mechanician 1st Class Sidney Parkin; Private James Mark Rigg; Private Glenn Riley; Corporal Jack Senior; Corporal Paul Andrew Smith; Senior Aircraftman Anthony Melvin Sullivan; Signaller Ian William Taylor; Captain Ronald Tillotson; Corporal Kevin Tomlinson; Signaller Stephen Lewis Ward; Lance Corporal Kathryn Waterland, and Lance Corporal Michael Williams.