SIMON Armitage’s uncle kept a gun so he could shoot Hitler if he ever ventured as far north as Marsden.
The Marsden poet received an Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.
He was awarded the honour for his contribution to literature and the arts on Armistice Day and said his great uncle, Robert Kirby, had fought in the First World War, enabling him to pursue his literary ambitions.
Simon has now revealed more about the horror his uncle endured on the western front.
He said: "My uncle served with mustard gas in both his lungs.
"I inherited his middle name when I was born.
"He kept an air rifle under his bed which he was going to use to shoot Hitler if he ever invaded Marsden.
"As a writer, listener, geographer and undisguised northerner, Sheffield has a place in my heart.’’
Simon has written 11 volumes of poetry, four stage plays, over a dozen TV films, two novels, two memoirs, numerous songs, and an opera libretto.
His many awards include BAFTA and TV documentary prizes for both his writing and his portrayal of social injustices and mental health issues.
