Wilkinson, Alfred Robert –

Eldest son of Alfred and Sarah Wilkinson (nee Swift). Formerly Private 3120, 2nd/5th Bn., and 43898, 18th Bn., Manchester Regiment. He is also stated to have been with the Royal Scots Greys and the Seaforth Highlanders. Joined both the Home Guard and Special Constabulary before he enlisted for WW2 and was appointed a commission as Lieutenant in the Pioneer Corps. However he died accidentally aged 43 years on 18/10/1940 at the Surveyor’s Laboratory, Bickershaw Colliery, Leigh, from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a blocked ventilator before seeing active War Service. He was interred in Leigh Cemetery, Plot 1-U, Grave 99. His gravestone displays the VC engraved and a memorial plaque is in Leigh Town Hall.