Memorial Plaque, or 'Dead Man's Penny' as it became known, for Josiah Smithies

This medallion was only recently reunited with a family member through the generosity and goodwill of one person, Mr. Chris Hill.

In early July the website received an email from Mr. Hill telling us that he had a memorial plaque that he wished to return to a family member.

Searching on the web for the name of Josiah Smithies, he found it listed on this webiste, contacted us and asked our help in contacting the family - which, of course, we were more than happy to do!

Michaela tells us that when she contacted Mr. Hill he told her that he had found and bought the plaque in a scrapyard on Oldham Rd., Rochdale about 35 years ago. Since then it had travelled, in his possession, to the south of England and then north to Kendal,

This centenary year, 2014, seemed to him to be a good time to find its family and send it home.

Michaela was thrilled to when we contacted her ....... she has been researching her family for 15 years and never imagined finding anything so important.

We, at the Oldham HRG, would also like to thank Mr. Hill for getting in touch with us.