SSAFA honours victims of the M62 coach bombing with wreath-laying at memorial

10 February 2026

The West Yorkshire Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, marked the 52nd anniversary of the M62 coach bombing by laying a wreath at the memorial during a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 8 February, paying tribute to the victims and those injured in the 1974 attack.

The bombing took place in the early hours of 4 February 1974, when a bomb exploded on a coach travelling along the M62, killing 12 people - nine serving soldiers and three civilians, including two children aged five and two - and injuring many others.

The soldiers included two from the Royal Artillery, three from the Royal Corps of Signals and four from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The remembrance service was held at the memorial at Hartshead Moor Services, Brighouse, Huddersfield. The memorial plaque and garden stands as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives. The Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Stephen Leigh, MBE welcomed attendees at the start of the service. The flag parade made up of several regimental associations was led by the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.

Members of SSAFA West Yorkshire Branch attended the service to pay their respects and to remember those killed and injured, alongside families, veterans, serving personnel and members of the local community.
The event was organised by Alan Noble, of the Royal Fusiliers Regiment, who continues to play a key role in ensuring the anniversary is marked with dignity and respect.

For SSAFA West Yorkshire Branch Secretary, Terry Sanson, the anniversary holds personal significance. Terry did basic army training with Gunner Leonard Godden, who was killed in the attack.

Terry said: “This anniversary remains deeply significant for the Armed Forces community. Remembering those who lost their lives - and those who were injured - is vital, and it is important that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Marion Rennie, ex-veteran and volunteer for SSAFA West Yorkshire Branch who also attended said: "Standing here today is a reminder of the lasting impact of this attack. Remembering together matters - not just to honour those we lost, but to show continued support for the families and communities affected throughout the year, not just on one day."