Memorial at Muir housing scheme remembers local soldiers
THE distinguished military history of a regiment which saw service in the Crimea, Boer, and First and Second World Wars was recognised by Muir Group Housing Association in 2014.
Residents living at Muir’s supported living scheme of Fusilier Court, in Bury, unveiled a memorial to the Lancashire Fusiliers in recognition of its position on the site of the regiment’s former Wellington Barracks.
During its 1688-1968 existence, the regiment became steeped in military history, with 19 of its infantrymen being awarded Britain’s highest military decoration, the Victoria Cross, which included ‘six before breakfast’ during the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign.
More than 100 people attended the unveiling ceremony, which featured a performance from the Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, into which the regiment was merged to form its current name.
The memorial stone now takes pride and place near the stunning communal gardens at Fusilier Court, which were transformed thanks to efforts of residents and a £48,559 grant from the Big Lottery Community Spaces programme.
At the time of the unveiling, Eunice Foster, Chair of the Fusilier Court Gardening Committee said: “Fusilier Court holds many memories for the soldiers of the Lancashire Fusiliers and their families. 
“With the scheme being named after the Fusiliers, we were looking for a way to honour the soldiers and the sacrifices that they have made.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Eric W Davidson MBE. DL. described the tribute as “an honour” to the regiment’s veterans and fallen servicemen.
Initially formed as Peyton's Regiment of Foot, (the regiment's name changed according to the name of the colonel commanding until 1751,) the regiment saw service in the last battle to take place on British soil, at Culloden (1746), The American Revolutionary War, and in the Napolenic Wars where they helped form the backbone of the Duke of Wellington’s armed forces.
The regiment also fought in the Crimean War, most notably at the Battles of Alma and Inkerman and during the Second Boer War, the 2nd Battalion saw action at the Battle of Spion Kop.
It was prominent at the landing at Cape Helles during the Gallipoli Campaign, with half a dozen Victoria Crosses (Britain's highest military decoration - for gallantry "in the face of the enemy") being awarded to soldiers in its 1st Battalion on the morning of 25th April, 1915, often referred to as 'the six VCs before breakfast'.
Going on to see more active service on the Western Front during The Great War, the regiment was among those evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940, during the Second World War, and fought in its North African and Italian campaigns among others.
In 1968 the regiment was amalgamated with the other regiments of the Fusilier Brigade–the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)–to form the current Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The Muir scheme at Fusilier Court Fusilier provides accommodation for elderly residents, single or couples, 60 years or over (or 55 years and over if in receipt of disability living allowance), which aims to promote independent living, good health and provide support to vulnerable residents to encourage them to be socially included and provide them with a safe environment and home for life.
