Soldiers tell their stories in author’s first book

Almost eighty years since the Second World War began, the stories of six local soldiers will be made public for the first time, thanks to a new book.

‘Lest We Forget’ is the first publication from local author and war historian Dennis Hodgkins, and tells the wartime tales of six local lads who trained at Norton Barracks and fought with the Worcestershire Regiment.

The book is now on sale at the Worcester Tourist Information Centre (on the High Street, next to the Guildhall). Dennis Hodgkins will be in the TIC on Saturday 21 April to sign copies, from 11.00am to 2.00pm.

Each story takes the reader through the lives of these men, from their childhood and school experiences through to their first employment opportunities; from the horrors of going to war in foreign countries aged only 18, to the reunion with their families. The book demystifies the lives of these men as they relive their experiences and lucky escapes during the years when they fought across Europe.

There are interesting appendices on Norton Barracks as well as artistic interpretations of the experiences of one of the veterans.  The book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Second World War or local history.  Copies of the book cost £6.95, with £2 from each sale to be donated to Cancer Research UK.