Preston Pals to be remembered in service at Preston Railway Station

A previous service to mark the Preston Pals Pic: Paul Swarbrick/Gill Lawson

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the city’s railway station there will be a moment taken to mark the Preston Pals.

The station was a key gateway for soldiers heading off to and returning from the First World War.

In the station there is a plaque to remember the Pals, and also those who fed, watered and cared for the soldiers.

On Monday 23 July the city will gather at the station to hold a commemorative service to remember the Preston Pals.

It will run from 10.30am to 11am and all are welcome to attend.

Who were the Pals?

The Preston Pals were a group of men from the city and surrounding area who volunteered to fight during the First World War.

Preston Pals at Preston Railway Station, September 1914

The Pals were young men who fought at the Somme and also with distinction at Messines Ridge in Belgium in 1917.

A memorial to them, known in military terms as the D company the 7th service battalion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was unveiled at Preston train station in July 2012.