Private Crosslands family seek justice 81 years after battle of Bamber Bridge

Nancy Adkin’s (centre) with members of local council Pic: Safia Nawaz

Private William Crossland was fatally shot during the battle of Bamber Bridge, upon hearing of her Great Uncle’s story Nancy Adkins flew over from America to get justice for him, 81 years on from the tragic event.

His great niece only found out about his story last June, having been interviewed by a reporter in America. She felt a strong need to come to Bamber Bridge and make right the wrong that happened so many years ago.

Nancy said: “Once I heard about the story, I wanted to come over. My family didn’t know what had happened to my uncle. Once I’d read it and I heard about it then I started doing research about it, I had to find out more. And as I’ve come here today, it’s like I’ve really got to find out more and do something.”

Ye Old Hobb Inn, where the tensions began that caused the battle, hosted Nancy earlier this month. As well as many members of the community and South Ribble Borough Council.

They created the opportunity for those who have significant knowledge of the battle to share their findings with Nancy and gave her the chance to learn more about the place that holds such importance to herself and her family. During her visit she met many people who have their own attachments to the battle.

Nancy said: “I definitely want to connect with some of the folks I’ve met here today, so I can find out what they know.”

She continued: “Then I can start connecting the dots also, because they have a lot of information that would probably help me when I go back home to clear his name.”

Channel 4 approached Nancy and asked her to tell her great uncle’s story as part of one of their upcoming documentaries. They were also present to film the event.

She said: “I’m so thrilled about it, that he is going to be a part of the documentary, that his memory is still going to live on.”

Private Crossland’s family is intent on getting justice for his death and Nancy’s recent trip is just the beginning of their journey.

“We, my family, are just very appreciative. We’re going to come back, some of us, next year for the celebration in June and we’ve got to do everything we can to clear his name.”

She added: “Everybody is just so cool to keep this story alive. It’s beyond my uncle, just to see how he’s brought together a community. It’s just amazing, it really is.”

“Just the idea of how this village has pulled together is just inspiring.”

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