Victims of the M62 coach bombing have been remembered 41 years after the atrocity.
Nine soldiers and a young family were killed by a terrorist coach bomb on the M62 near Hartshead Moor on February 4, 1974.
And yesterday relatives, friends and armed forces personnel gathered for a service in their memory.
Relatives placed wreaths and flowers next to a monument at the Hartshead Moor westbound service station which bears the names of those killed in the blast.
Dignitaries from Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester and staff and veterans of the armed forces joined the families.
A roll of honour was read out and flags lowered before the Last Post was played and a minute’s silence was observed.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Clr Pat Allen welcomed the assembled crowds before Reader Terry Brewis, of The Benefice of Cleckheaton, shared readings and prayers.
Clr Allen said: “Whilst the passage of time and the demands of other events for the world’s attention mean that others have forgotten what took place here 41 years ago, we remember them.”
Kirklees Deputy Mayoress Christine Smith, was among those who took part in the service. She said: “I remember it well. I remember watching on the TV news. With it being so near to us, on the M62, it was so close to home.
“It doesn’t seem possible that it was 41 years ago.
“It must be poignant for the families, for the sons and daughters. It is important that we remember them.”
Wayne Bentham, 55, who served with the Grenadier Guards in Northern Ireland, said: “I remember hearing about it at school. A mate’s brother was due to be on the coach but missed it.
“That was the first time it hit home to me how awful it was. I was living in Oldham at the time so it was really poignant. I think its important to come and remember those who were killed.”
Julie Granger, 49, added: “I work for the Royal British Legion in Middleton. I was only little when it happened so I don’t remember it, but my mum remembers it.
“It was a terrible thing to happen. For those families and personnel who never came home.”
A permanent memorial remains at Hartshead Moor and in 2010 a plaque was unveiled in Oldham.
