Ramsbottom’s Lost
Generation
Part One, 1914-15
By Duncan Francis
Published by Ramsbottom Heritage Society
The heroic lives of ordinary men and women who
went to the front in the Great War.
This meticulously researched book tells the
story of every soldier and one Belgian born civilian woman from
Ramsbottom who died in the front line during the First World War.
The detail of their lives as they grew up in this small industrial town, paints a picture of the townspeople of Ramsbottom and brings home to the reader, the impact of their loss.
Duncan tells us how he came to write this book.
“My interest in the Great war began in 1990 as I sat in the garden of my
parents home at Holcombe and read a book about the Gallipoli campaign;
the date still sticks in my mind as it was the 75th
anniversary - 25th April 1915. By chance I saw the war
memorial at Holcombe Emmanuel Church and noticed the rows of names. Who
was the person behind the name so neatly carved on stone, what was their
story? I vowed to find out everything I could about them and the other
local men who paid the supreme sacrifice. My quest for knowledge has
taken me to the battlefields of France and Belgium as I followed in
their footsteps, a truly humbling experience. As the centenary of the
Great War approaches I am honoured that my research is being published
by the Society. Part one of Ramsbottom's Lost Generation covers
the events of 1914-1915. Subsequent issues will recall how the town
coped as its sons went off to war. This is their story and our heritage.
The promise made to that generation “Their name liveth for evermore” is
up to us today to observe, cherish and pass on the torch of remembrance
to our future generations”.
The cost of the book is £10
and all Duncan's proceeds are to be donated to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
Book available to buy from Ramsbottom Heritage Society
Or order a copy by contacting Duncan via our web site