Wirral man pens book on Bebington heroes in First World War

Dec 5 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Bromborough and Bebington News

A WIRRAL man has written a book on the local heroes of the First World War.

Dave Horne has published his first book called Higher Bebington's Heroes 1914-1919.

It gives a detailed account on the men named on the village memorial in Christ Church.

The dad-of-three decided to write the book after researching his family’s history in the Great War, and enjoyed it so much he continued when he retired last year.

Prior to retirement, Dave was a design draughtsman and worked at Cammell Laird until the mid 1980s.

Dave, 66, from Higher Bebington, said: “My great uncle, William Horne, died aged 26 and he is one of the men on the memorial. I spent a lot of time over recent years researching his time in the Great War and how he died.

“I enjoyed this so much that when I retired last year, I decided to find out as much as I could about the other 28 men from Higher Bebington who died in the war, and this book is the result.

“I carried out extensive research using battalion war diaries, official archives and newspapers.

“The book tells the story of these ordinary men who were asked to do extraordinary things. They didn't wait to be called but had joined up of their own accord.

“It begins from their childhood to the day they made the ultimate sacrifice.

“ The youngest casualty was Alfred Royden, aged 18, of School Lane.

“Each and every soldier has a remarkable tale to tell.”

Higher Bebington's Heroes 1914-1919 is published by Countyvise Ltd, priced £9.50. David can offer it at £9 with free delivery by calling 608 7349.