A NEW book has been published covering the fascinating story of the part played during the Second World War by communities in Craven.

The book, ‘Wartime Sacrifice in the Yorkshire Dales’ by author, Keith Taylor, travels through the Malhamdale area, Gargrave, Coniston Cold, Long Preston, Hellifield, Settle, Giggleswick (including the School), Clapham, Austwick, Langcliffe, Stainforth, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ingleton, High and Low Bentham.

It also takes in the communities of Bedale, Masham, West Tanfield, Grewelthorpe, Crakehall, Hunton, East Hauxwell, Sedbergh and Dentdale, and completes the picture painted by the author in his two previous books on the subject - Wensleydale Remembered and Wharfedale Remembered.

Through words and pictures the latest book, printed in paperback and spanning 340 pages, examines the lives and deaths of over 200 service personnel whose names are inscribed on the many war memorials in these areas.

He places them back in the Dales’ villages, towns and landscapes they would have been familiar with.

Many of the 485 photographs provide an evocative look at the way of life in these communities during the inter-war years and before the onset of the World War Two. Yet the main theme of the book continues to be the sacrifice made by the men and women who fought for democracy and against fascism during the years 1939-1945.

"This is probably the last of the books I will be writing," explained Mr Taylor, a retired deputy head teacher, from the Peak District.

"I have written 13 books now and this last one fills the gaps left from the Wharfedale publication.

"It took around a year to write this last one and I gathered the information by staying in the district and speaking to people and gathering photographs and details.

"It was a fascinating task. I have been holidaying in the area for many years and have got to know the district well,

"I think the book will help to keep the memories alive of those who took part in the Second World War and highlights the impact it had on the communities.

"It is the aim of Wartime Sacrifice in the Yorkshire Dales to celebrate the lives of this lost generation and their colleagues who were fortunate to survive the conflict.

"I have had a print run of 600 published which I am hoping is not too excessive. There won't be any further runs so I will be delighted if they all sell," he said.

He reproduces details of each of the settlements with old photographs, many of which were taken shortly after the turn of the century showing village life as well as many details of the fallen soldiers from WW2.

He has spent a lot of time researching individuals, such as Sapper William (Harry) Procter, from Goodenber Road, High Bentham.

With two photographs of the soldier, one in the desert in 1946, Mr Taylor had been called up into the Forces after the war had ended and served as a Sapper with the Royal Engineers.

He was sent with his unit to Benghazi, near Libya.

Despite his elder brother, Thomas, serving at the same time at Tel El Kebir, the two didn't meet because their leaves did not coincide.

Harry, a middleweight boxer in his regiment, died in a military hospital aged 19 on October 21, 1948, after contracting infective hepatitis.

"He was apparently recovering so it was an awful shock for his family to get such news. The telegram arrived late at night on his mother's birthday," writes Mr Taylor.

Another soldier from the district mentioned in the books is Private James Robert Rumney, of Hellifield.

Known as Jim to family and friends, Private Rumney, was part of a family of butchers and worked with his father in the shop in Main Street, Hellifield.

Private Rumney enlisted into the Army in 1940 and served with the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders.

He survived the D-Day landings at Normandy but died aged 27 on May 3, 1945 in Germany, just five days before the Germans surrendered. He is buried at Becklingen War Cemetery, in Germany.

Also mentioned is Sergeant Fred Proctor, of Long Preston, who died on April 29, 1945, aged 31.

He had served with the 69 Company Royal Engineers. Mr Taylor discovered Fred was a talented pianist and was for years a member of the Ribble Dance Band.

He was killed in action in and is also buried at Becklingen War Cemetery.

His brothers, Harry who also served with the army in Germany, and Willie, a warrant officer in the RAF and a PoW of the Japanese for three years, both survived the war.

Mr Taylor has gone to great depths to incorporate anecdotes of the lives of the folk who gave their lives in the war and of the places they lived and the family they had.

Photographs include places of work, memorials and gravestones as well as team photographs where the men are pictured in football, rugby and cricket teams prior to war breaking out.

There are also school photographs, pictures of work places and street scenes and Home Guard platoons in the different areas.

The book, published by Country Books, is priced at £10 and can be purchased from a number of outlets in the district including: Settle Tourist Information Centre; The Dales Book Centre, Grassington; Malham national park centre; Bentham Post Office; Sedbergh Tourist Information Centre and Ingleton's Coffee Pot tea room.

Enquiries can be made to Keith Taylor 01629 732622, mobile: 07790575077, where he will post copies to you for an additional £3.30 for posting and packaging.

They can also be obtained via the publisher on e-mail: dickrichardson@countrybooks.biz