A BOOKLET commemorating the role of a Wem man in the First World War, plus other survivors, is on sale.

Wem Civic Society has spent the last four years working on events to commemorate the 1914-18 war and have now published a book that they feel ends on a positive note, to remember those people who endured, survived and then continued to contribute to their community.

The starting point is the publication of the story of Harry Strong, M.C., with the aim of encouraging people to come forward with information and memories about their own family members.

A spokeswoman said: "Harry Strong was born in Wem, Shropshire, on 9 May 1890, the seventh of eight children of Thomas and Annie Strong. Thomas Strong was a printer and stationer at 52 High Street.

"Harry was awarded the Military Cross and Croix de Guerre for his actions on the first day of the Battle of the Somme [in 1916]. After the war, he took an active part in social life – cricket club, football club, etc, and public life, including serving on the local council."

The 24-page, illustrated booklet is entitled ‘Harry Strong MC, the Story of a Wemian in War and Peace’ and written by Alan Riches. It is priced at £3.50 and available from Wem Civic Society (including the Christmas Market on December 7 in Wem Town Hall) and Wem Book Shop.

The society thanked the donation from Midcounties Co-operative Community Support which they said was crucial to the publication of the booklet and the society is very grateful for their help.

The booklet was printed by North Shropshire Printing Company (Wem).