WORLD War Two hero John Mockler, will unveil two memorial plaques at Hollins Park hospital, Warrington tomorrow (Wednesday).
The two plaques commemorate the building’s use as a hospital, known as the Lord Derby War Hospital, which treated injured soldiers returning from the frontline and members of staff who died in World War One.
The plaques were originally put up in the 1920s, when the site was known as the Lancashire County Asylum, and had been taken down during modernisation work.
The War Memorials Trust asked the chief executive, Simon Barber if the plaques could be re-instated and 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust has had the memorials cleaned and re-mounted.
Mr Mockler, aged 87, said: “It’s so important that we remember those who gave their lives for this country as well as those who saved the lives of countless soldiers. These memorial plaques do just that and are now in their rightful place on the site of the old war hospital. I am delighted that 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust is displaying these plaques, so future generations can continue to remember those before them.
“I am proud to attend the unveiling ceremony – particularly on Armistice Day. It is especially fitting to be here.”
Trust chairman Bernard Pilkington added: “We have members of staff who serve in the Reserve Forces so it is an honour to be able to unveil these plaques on a day when we remember all those who have fallen in the line of duty. It’s a real privilege to meet John.”
The war hospital treated 36,500 patients in five years from 1914 to 1919.
John fought in WWII as a Royal Marine and became involved in the War Memorials Trust after his wife died. He volunteers for the Imperial War Museum, has volunteered at both the Manchester and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and has met the Queen twice
