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from The Manchester Evening News, Monday November 9, 1998

Ageless homage is paid to the dwindling band of war heroes

Story: MIKAELA SITFORD
Picture: JASON LOCK

ONE of the country's oldest war heroes refused to let his frailty stop him remembering his fallen comrades.

At the astonishing age of 104, Manchester Regiment veteran Mike Lally (left) was on parade at the Remembrance Day service in the city centre.

Memories are still vivid for Mike, one of eight children, who joined up as a band boy in 1910.

Another emotional moment awaits the old soldier - he will be presented with the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest award, at a special ceremony at the Blackley residential home where he now lives.

Mike is one of nine First World War soldiers from Greater Manchester to receive the French honour as part of the 80th anniversary of the end of hostilities.

You can read more about Mike elsewhere.

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