A POIGNANT book has been penned by three ladies to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
‘Mossley Remembers The Second World War’ has been researched, written, and edited by Shirley Howard, Alison Wild and Rita Vaughan.
The new book will be launched at Mossley Library, George Lawton Hall, on Friday September 11 at 11am, when the ladies will talk how they compiled their book.
Shirley explained: “The book takes you through the war years and tells you about what life was like for the people of Mossley.
“The possibility of air raids was a great concern and the ARP service was set up at the beginning of 1938, before the war was declared.
“Thousands of gas masks were delivered to Mossley and many trenches were dug so people could take shelter, if there ever was an air raid.”
The book contains many illustrated personal accounts from archived newspapers and wartime sources as well as stories told by family members.
Alison added: “Many ladies joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service: one served abroad, one attained the rank of Sergeant.
“I have found out that a dog called Laddie served with the RAF, both at home and abroad, and had a special medal made for his collar which bore the inscription “Laddie 210 RAF, I also served.”
There are also photographs and information in the book about men who were awarded medals for their courage, acts of gallantry, and devotion to duty.
Rita Vaughan revealed: “Thomas Broe, who served with the Lancashire Fusiliers, was awarded a Military Medal in WW1 and an MBE in WW2.
“Many of the well-known battles have since been made into films, such as the sinking of the British HMS Hood by the enemy battleship Bismark.
“One of the men who lost his life aboard HMS Hood was from Mossley, and another man from Mossley who was serving aboard HMS Norfolk actually witnessed the sinking of HMS Hood.
“We also have Mossley men who died working on the notorious Burma Railway, one who died flying in The Battle of Britain, and a Mossley lady who died a civilian Prisoner of War.”
‘Mossley Remembers The Second World War’ will be on sale at at Mossley Library and the Local Studies Library in Ashton.
It is a sequel to ‘Remember All The Boys’ written by Rita Vaughan and ‘Mossley Remembers The Great War’ written by Shirley Howard and Alison Wild.