CALDERDALE: Artwork commemorating war hero unveiled

Marine David Moffatt was one of the “Cockleshell Heroes” involved in Operation Frankton in 1942, during World War II – a mission which is said to have shortened the Second World War by six months.

David was aged 22 and one of eight servicemen who tragically died taking part in a commando raid using kayaks on ships in German-occupied France.

A fictionalised version of their story was made into the 1955 film Cockleshell Heroes, which is still often shown on television.

To mark Marine Moffatt’s bravery and sacrifice, and Halifax’s local heritage and pride, Calderdale Council commissioned award-winning poet and writer, Ian Humphreys, for an installation at Halifax Central Library.

In a special private event at Halifax Central Library last Saturday, members of David’s family, including his nephew and great nieces, gathered to see the installation being unveiled and to hear a reading of the poem by Ian Humphreys.

Other readings included work by poets Carola Luther and Hana Gillani.

Ian has written a poem which has been engraved on an installation, which is a book made from Yorkshire Stone from a local quarry, now placed on a granite block at the bottom of the steps outside the library.

The council says installation is the first in a series of artistic installations showcasing Halifax’s unique heritage and culture, as part of a new trail around the town.

This follows the successful Calderdale Year of Culture 2024 and supports the council’s priority for thriving towns and places, and the Vision 34 theme – a shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone – of creativity, says the authority, with Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Coun Sarah Courtney (Lab, Calder) meeting the family and poets at the event.

The Art and About Trail is part of the Future High Streets Fund work to transform Halifax town centre, funded by the Government and being delivered by the council.

The trail is being created in partnership with local arts organisation Everybody Arts and will include brand new art installations developed by local creative people and using local suppliers.

The trail will take in 20 locations around the town, featuring existing points of interest and new works inspired by the town’s history.

Two years ago Illingworth, Halifax, firefighter and former Royal Marine Commando Kris Whitworth hoped a team’s re-tracing the route taken by Marine Moffatt and his comrades on their dangerous mission might lead to a plaque or statue installed in the town as a memorial to him.

Previously, the only dedication Marine Moffatt received from Calderdale is a dedication in the War Memorial Book at Halifax Town Hall.