A book telling the story of Huddersfield has just been published and will be on sale this weekend.
Huddersfield historians and Huddersfield University students got together to write the book, simply called Huddersfield in World War One.
This highly detailed publication examines all aspects of the war in great detail, both at the front and back here at home.
The themes look at everything from munitions made in Huddersfield and how the textile trade changed to make items for the war effort through to war hospitals in this area, how women’s roles and place in society changed radically during the war years and also rationing, sport and leisure from 1914-18.
It also reveals the stories behind Huddersfield soldiers and sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice at sea and on land with many stories that have never been told before. One was about Huddersfield sailor John Pascall, a leading stoker on HMS Aboukir which was one of three Royal Navy cruisers sunk in the North Sea in September 1914.
The main author has been Brian Heywood and the others are the late David Gronow along with Jacqui Smith and Huddersfield University students Laurence Brammer, Martin Richardson, Joe Hopkinson, Adam West, Luke Russell, Jonathan Morris and Joe Taylor.
The book is part of the Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Heritage Project made possible by a Heritage Lottery Grant of £100,000.
The official launch at the Heritage Quay at Huddersfield University included a short film about the moving WWI experiences and life story of Huddersfield international northern union rugby forward Douglas Clark.
The book will be on sale in the Packhorse tomorrow (Saturday, December 20) and Sunday. It costs £15 and is non-profit making.
It is also available at The Zone off St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield Railway Station shop and W H Smiths in Huddersfield town centre.
The 300-page book complete with maps and illustrations can be ordered online at www.huddersfieldrlheritage.co.uk or from David Thorpe, a project volunteer at thorpe_d2@sky.com.
David will also take telephone orders on 01484 533378.
Any independent retailers wanting to sell the book on sale or return are welcome to contact David.
