THE man who led the campaign to honour Oswaldtwistle’s fallen has passed away.

Roy Lockwood, who was recognised for his long service and dedicated work for the British Legion, has died aged 79.

Four years ago Roy was made a Freemen of the Borough for his work, both as a welfare officer and as chairman of the East Lancashire Branch.

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But his lasting legacy is on the town’s refurbished war memorial in Union Road. He led the project to add names to its commemorative stone plinth, dedicated to those who fell during the 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 campaigns.

The polished granite pedestal was not previously engraved with the names of anyone from the town who lost their lives during the conflicts.

But in 2010, Roy helped compile a definitive list of those who died while serving in the army, navy and airforce, collating information held in separate records in churches, official documents and other war memorials.

Peter Britcliffe, the president of the Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion, said he was a ‘true gentleman’.

He said: “Roy worked tirelessly for our ex-servicemen and women, visiting them in hospital, helping them if they hit hard times and running a drop-in centre at Gatty Park.

“This work was recognised when he was deservedly honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Hyndburn. He also tirelessly supported the RBL, ensuring that those who had fallen in war were always remembered.

“Roy will be irreplaceable and well deserved his recognition as a Freeman of the Borough of Hyndburn.”

Roy, of Foxhill Bank Brow, conducted years of research on local soldiers who fell in the First and Second World wars, and the Korean War.

The former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer was an RBL case worker in Accrington, Church and Oswaldtwistle.