Just after midnight on 4 February 1974, an IRA bomb planted on a coach transporting military personnel and their families, exploded on the M62 motorway between junctions 26 and 27.

Twelve people were killed, nine service personnel and three civilians (family of one of the soldiers).

Hartshead Moor Services on the M62 westbound was used as a first aid post at the time and as the closest accessible place, a permanent memorial was erected.

A memorial service is held each year and the 42nd in 2016 was held on 7 February.

Spenborough Branch Member Derrick Yates is always heavily involved in the organisation of the event and Spenborough Branch Chaplain Terry Brewis led the service.

The service was very well attended with thirty both Legion and Regimental standards adding a colourful backdrop. Short addresses were delivered by The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Lisa Lambert and the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Paul Kane.

Following the Act of Remembrance for the Fallen and the Kohima Epitaph, the Last post was played by a bugler. After the Two Minutes Silence and Reveille, wreaths were laid by Civic Dignitaries, Regimental and Legion Branches and families and friends of those lost.

A most moving service.

Click on a image below for a slide show.