Youth is at the heart of the latest exhibition at the award-winning Museum of the Manchester Regiment, Ashton-under-Lyne, which began on 4 January and lasts until 25 June 2011.
Entitled "Cadets", it reflects the long and affectionate relationships the Manchesters and their successor regiments developed with the Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force and Officer Training Corps.
The exhibition also highlights the poignant stories of boys such as 15-year-old Fred Finucane who made the ultimate sacrifice in defensive of crown and country.
Fred, of The Brow, Bardsley, enlisted into the 9th Battalion Manchester Regiment in 1914 and was posted to Egypt. He died of dysentery barely three months after the start of the First World War, on 27 November 1914, and is buried in Cairo War Memorial Cemetery.
Among the material on display for the first time are examples of the uniform worn by cadets down the years, along with equipment and rations.
The museum would be interested to hear from anyone who served as a cadet with the Manchester Regiment and is willing to share their memories or to donate any items.
Cllr Jackie Lane, Tameside Council's assistant executive member for heritage and tourism, said: "The museum can always be relied upon to stage fascinating exhibitions. Given that thousands of local men must have been cadets at some point, I'm sure this one will prove especially popular."
For media inquiries, contact curator Garry Smith on 0161 342 2254 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Photographs available on request.
