A LITTLE-known aspect of WW2 is the subject of a book that I am preparing by way of a tribute to those involved. I would be most grateful for a little help, if possible, through the courtesy of your columns.

The book is about the contributions made on the Home Front by young teenagers. The 'official' age-range was 14-17, although I know of instances involving 11-year-olds. Girls and boys from Scouts, Guides, The Boys Brigade and other organisations were involved, doing a variety of things ranging from collecting spagnum moss for first-aid dressings to being bicycle messengers with the Civil Defence, Police and Fire Service during air-raids. A few received awards for doing this. Several were injured, some killed.

I would like to invite those of your readers who have memories of this time to write to me about them. All letters will be acknowledged and credit given in the book to contributors, unless otherwise instructed.

If you could assist, I will be extremely grateful.

John Stallwood

49 Crescent Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 8EH

tel: 01444 235590

fax: 01444 239490

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.