THE official launch of a book remembering the 270 Knutsford men who lost their lives in WW1 will take place on August 5 – 100 years and one day after Britain declared war on Germany.

Tony Davies, the Guardian’s Accidental Historian, will be holding the launch of his book ‘The Knutsford Lads Who Never Came Home’ at Knutsford Heritage Centre on Tuesday.

Capturing the naivety, courage and valour, ‘The Knutsford Lads Who Never Came Home’ shares the horrors of the Western Front to the barren, disease-ridden deserts of the Middle East.

Tony, a retired policeman from Tabley, said: “I believe it is important that we remember the sacrifice these young lads made not just in this centenary year but always.

“They had no idea of what they were to face but when they did they face it with courage and fortitude. I am proud of each and every one of them."

Tony received funding for the project through the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund and this funding allowed Tony delve through war records and travel across the country meeting families of the soldiers who lost their lives.

Manchester Airport Community Trust is a registered charity which allocates money donated for the benefit of the surrounding communities.

Tina Large, community relations officer for Manchester Airport, said: “The Trustees chose the book because they are very keen to support applications that have a rich heritage connection and, with the First World War commemorating the centenary this year, they wanted to be a part of it.”

Tony will be at the heritage centre from 11am on Tuesday August 5. Tony will also be launching his ‘Great Budworth’ book on the day and is available for signings.