THE villagers of Simonstone will remember three of their number, who died in the First World War, but whose names were not recorded on their war memorial.

A dedication service for a new plinth which finally bears their names and recognises their sacrifice, will be held on Saturday.

The omission of their names was revealed following research by several local historians.

The three local men were Lance Corporal Robert James Breckell, whose parents lived at Clough Cottage Simonstone, who died while serving with the 28th Battalion, the Saskatchewan Regiment in 1916; Trooper Ernest Thistlethwaite, whose parents lived at Fairview, Whalley Road Simonstone, who died serving with the 1st Household Cavalry Regiment in 1917 and Private Gilbert Yates, who died while serving with the East Lancashire Regiment in 1915.

His brother Thomas is already listed on the memorial.

After they were identified, Simonstone Parish Council investigated the possibility of raising funds for a memorial and it was helped by the Royal Regina Rifles — the present day successor to the Saskatchewan Regiment — and the Household Cavalry Association for North Wales and Yorkshire who raised money for the cause.

The service, at 11am will be conducted by the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, Dean of Blackburn at St Peters Church.

Guests will include Simonstone and Ribble Valley council officials, the Veteran Affairs Officer from the High Commission for Canada, members of the Household Cavalry Association of the North West and Yorkshire, the Royal British Legion and directors from Fort Vale Engineering Ltd and Seaways Services, who also made donations.

Ten relatives of Lance Corporal Breckell, will also be present, alongside Corporal Stacey Bouck, company clerk of the Royal Regina Rifles, while Peter Webster, from the Veterans in the Community Charity will play Last Post and Reveille.

Parish council chairman David Peat, said: “We are pleased to be able to finally honour these local men.

“The generosity in time, goodwill and donations from people and organisations in Canada, this region and parish has been gratifying and humbling.”