Accrington Pals expert Bill Turner is set to be honoured for his life’s work with a library plaque.
It will be unveiled at the Richard Ainsworth Room in Accrington Library by his wife Ruth Turner at a ceremony next week to coincide with the centenary of the start of the First World War.
The world-renowned historian, who died in 2007 aged 76, is credited with bringing the story of the Pals’ heroism and sacrifice into the public consciousness.
The plaque is to acknowledge the huge time and effort he spent on researching information about the Accrington Pals in order to preserve their memory for posterity and which he used to write his book ‘Accrington Pals’.
During his life he worked closely with members of Accrington Library and the location of the plaque aims to reflect his time spent there.
Mrs Turner, who is a member of the Accrington Pals working group, said: “I’m so pleased and proud that Bill’s lifelong work of chronicling the history of the Accrington Pals and recognition for their bravery is to be marked in this way.
“It’s especially poignant that the plaque is installed on this day and in this year, the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.
“Also that it will be in Accrington Library, a place very close to Bill’s heart, as it’s where he spent so much time researching the Pals.”
The ceremony will be held on Monday, August 4 at 4.15pm and Mrs Turner will be joined by her family, other members of the Accrington Pals Working Group, library staff, Hyndburn Mayor Munsif Dad and other dignitaries.
Mr Turner previously had a plaque dedicated to his memory at the St John’s ‘Pals’ Church chapel back in 2012.
