Ralph Davidson launches his book ‘Not Forgotten: Milnrow and District Fallen Heroes of the First World War’

Ralph Davidson signing a copy of his new book

Ralph Davidson, from Milnrow, has launched his first book called ‘Not Forgotten: Milnrow and District Fallen Heroes of the First World War.’

The book, which was launched at a special event on Monday (4 August) at Rochdale Town Hall, is about the heroes of World War One from Milnrow and the surrounding areas who are listed on the Milnrow War Memorial.

Ralph said: “There are about 200 names on the Milnrow War Memorial and many more on memorials at Littleborough and Hebden Bridge but no one has ever written about our heroes so that is why I wanted to do it.”

To complete the book, Ralph has spent over 11 years researching soldiers and travelling to France and Belgium to visit graves and photograph specific headstones.

“I have been going to France and Belgium on and off since 2002 and have done research in Touchstones and other local libraries to get all of the information,” said Ralph.

Ralph finally completed the book after eleven and a half years and described the process as “pleasurable.”

He added: “It was a very rewarding thing to do and I was able to meet families of these soldiers and tell them things that they didn’t know and they were able to tell me things I didn’t know so that was nice. It has been a pleasurable journey over the years.”

The launch event was attended by those who have helped Ralph with the book over the years, including those who drove him around France and Belgium and the Mayor Carol Wardle.

“It was a pretty successful launch with about 40 people altogether. It was an absolutely fabulous,” said Ralph.

During the launch, Ralph thanked those in attendance and presented a signed copy of the book to Julian Jefferson, the head of Touchstones Museum and Gallery where most of the research came from.

The book can be bought from George Kelsall’s book shop in Littleborough, through the publishing company, Jade Publishing or by contacting Ralph directly on 01706 650311.