Wigan Album

Arnold left Heinz, to work as a Traffic Warden at Wigan, ending up as Senior Warden.
A lovely chap.
Last time I saw him was about forty years ago; shortly after he retired, when he was out for a morning run in Haigh Plants.

Arnold was my fitness coach at night school class in the '60's ,a great guy! This is the first I've heard of his millitary exploits!

I love reading about soldiers escaping from POW camps in Europe. what a pity he didn’t write a book about his exploits. His family must have been very proud of him. The book I am reading at the moment is about Lt. Alastair Cram who escaped 21 times after being taken prisoner at Tobruk and ending up in Gaza Italy his last escape was on the way to Germany. His favourite pastime before the war was mountaineering and it was this that helped him many times in his quest for freedom. “ Escape was easy - being on the run was the hardest”.

Apologies Gavi not Gaza.

I was intrigued to see a connection, of sorts, that the impressive Arnold Seddon (who like me was Wigan born) had with Major Roy Alexander Farran DSO, MC who wrote the book “The Winged Dagger” in which he mentioned Arnold.
Roy was a Major and the leader of the patrol, in which the remarkable Arnold was a member. Farran used to live in the “village” of Codsall (pop 12,000) where I’ve lived since 1973.
Farran had an extensive Army career and in 1948 faced a court martial, after serving in Palestine, over the death there of a teenage boy. Farran had been involved in attempting to suppress Jewish paramilitary organisations such as the Lehi ’terrorist’ group.
After his return from Palestine, the Lehi attempted to kill Farran by posting a parcel bomb to his family home in Codsall, unfortunately his brother opened it and was killed. He’s buried in the local cemetery.
Roy Farran emigrated to Canada, after failing to become a Tory MP in the 1950 Election.He forged a successful business and political career, holding a seat in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Died in 2006 aged 85.

The book is being sold for £4 80 on World of Books. I must send for it …thank you Keith.

Hi, I have just been made aware of this post. Arnold was my dad! I had no idea about this article. I’m surprised he didn’t have a copy. It was a lovely surprise to see.

Arnold Seddon was my Athletics Coach for a very good number of years. He was a massive influence & saw me gain international success, in the 100 / 200 metres. Training during the Summer at Woodhouse Stadium that used to be the old dog track. Winter training used to be in Haigh Hall Plantations & also at Mesnes School where he ran the fitness classes 3 times a week.
Many great times both track, in his personal life.
He was quite guarded about his time in the Army until he helped Jack Stonely write his book Jenny’s War which was adapted into a tv series, it was only then he started to tell his tales of how he captured & held as a prisoner of war. But not only that “I was the pain the their side when it came to escaping & I enjoyed it” His words.

Barry Seddon: I too had a great time as a youth being trained by your Dad at the stadium on Woodhouse lane. In the early seventies. I would see him in his wardens uniform on duty in Wigan as I was on my way to do extra training, and he would share his wisdom.
They were very happy days. Arnold was very enthusiastic and supportive. He kindly invited me to his gym classes, and on one occasion to the family home for tea. I remember him sending his son on an errand for a bottle of cider. Very nice, thank you very much. Then he drove us back to the stadium in his gas guzzling, green Rover for another training session. I don't know if the glass of cider enhanced my running performance, but it was a very interesting experiment, even though I wasn't old enough to be supping it. There were two nurses staying at the time and one by the name of Sheena took my racing pulse. I forget the result, but it felt.. great!
I was very fit thanks to Arnold and reached International standard in a different sport. He had wanted to go sky diving at the time, but they refused saying "you want certifying at your age for applying". Arnolds words not mine. Arnold was still as fit as a fiddle, a great person and it was a privilege to know him.

Thanks to Ron for the brilliant article.