We have been sent a photograph of two Chorley Pals in 1912, two years before they joined up in September 1914.
On the left is Cpl. 15956 William Clarkson and on the right is Pte. 15641 William Bolton.
Both were neighbours, living on the same road in the town. Whilst they joined up together and trained together, sadly they died together.
Both were killed on the morning of the 1st July 1916 attacking German positions at Serre on the Somme in northern France.
Cpl. Clarkson is buried at Euston Road Cemetery behind the lines near Serre, whilst Pte. Bolton is buried in Queen’s Cemetery facing Serre village in what was No Man’s Land.
