Pete Thomas and a friend, Neil Drum, recently co-wrote a book entitled A District at War, telling the story of his local area’s involvement in The Great War. This was funded by a local charity, The Hamilton Davies Trust, which was set up to manage regeneration projects and help charities and social enterprises in the Irlam and Cadishead area. All proceeds from the book are being donated to the charity.
Chris Baker of The Long Long Trail, an internet resource for military historians, reviewed the book and wrote: “This fine study of the 1081 men of two Lancashire villages and the surrounding area sets a new benchmark for depth of research, clarity of presentation and excellence of production of the finished article.”
The book launch was attended by veterans of the Second World War (the subject of the authors’ next book). The Trust has already agreed to fund the second book and, to date, the authors have produced over 500 pages and interviewed 11 local men and women who served in the war.
