Wigan Album

This photograph taken in 1924 is of Peter Fairhurst (1887-1959) and his wife Minnie Ball (1889-1961) and their three children at the time - Dorothy (1913-1986) (my mother), John (aka Jack) (1916-1942) and Peter (1922-1944). They also had a son David (1929-1983). They lived at Lismore in Wigan Lane before moving to Blackpool in about 1930. Peter the father was born at 10 Tickle Street near Wigan Pier and Minnie at 31 Foy Street. My mother was born at 31 Caroline Street and Peter the son at 34 Park Road.

Jack attended Wigan Grammar School and was killed at the Battle of Alamein on 2nd November 1942 during Montgomery's "will accept 100% casualties" Operation Supercharge to break through enemy lines, which eventually succeeded. He is buried in Egypt. Peter the son was also killed in the 2nd World War off the coast of Normandy when his flakship came under attack on 17th August 1944. He was listed as missing presumed killed in action.

Peter and Minnie became Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool (1952-1953) - the year when Blackpool won the FA Cup (The Matthews Final). Pathe News recorded the homecoming and welcome by the Mayor, a video of which can be viewed on the Pathe News website.