Treasured WW2 book republished for VJ Day's 80th

The original copy will be kept at Shropshire Archives

A battered World War Two book telling the stories of people from part of old Telford who fought during the hostilities, is to be republished as part of events to mark 80 years since VJ (Victory in Japan) Day ended the global conflict.

The book, Hadley and District Welcome Home Fund's Memorial & Souvenir Brochure, was produced by a local newspaper at the time to raise money for those returning from the war, and only a few copies remain.

It includes the stories of 500 people who fought in the war, including the units they served with.

Resident Jill Hine gave her treasured copy to the parish council and local historian Rob Davis has scanned each page to create an online version.

The original will be kept in Shropshire Archives and the free online edition will be published on the anniversary of VJ Day next Friday.

VJ Day saw Japan announce its surrender to Allied forces on 15 August 1945.

Mrs Hine gave her copy to Hadley and Leegomery parish councillor Phil Millward after the pair met at a summer fete.

Councillor Phil Millward said residents would be able to find out the stories of people who lived in their home 80 years ago

The parish council described the brochure as a "heartfelt tribute" to the men and women who served.

"It not only honours those who returned but also serves as a memorial to those who did not," the authority said.

It said the book painted a "vivid picture" of where people lived and where they served, offering "a deeply personal connection to our shared past".

Millward said people would be able to find out who lived in their home, and maybe even discover the faces of long-lost relatives in the yellowing pages.

"There are still a few of these books about, but not many," he said.

The council described the brochure as a "heartfelt tribute" to those who served

The Welcome Home fundraising effort began in October 1944 and the brochure, printed by Shrewsbury Chronicle and the Newport and Market Drayton Advertiser, cost two shillings and six old pence – about £4.92 today.

Some 46 newspaper staff served in the war, with one killed, six wounded and two taken prisoner.

All members of staff who came back returned to their old jobs.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.