RYEDALE Family History Group have published two new books as part of the successful War Memorial series of books.

The two new books are, ‘Kirkdale, Nawton, Beadlam, Skiplam and Wombleton War Memorials’ and ‘Rievaulx, Old Byland, Scawton and Cold Kirby War Memorials.’

Both books have been researched and written over the last four years as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded Project.

A copy of the ‘Kirkdale’ book was presented to the Reverend Susan Binks at St Gregory’s Minster, Kirkdale.

This book is dedicated to the memory of the late Libby Capstick, whose personal knowledge of Nawton and Beadlam and the families whose ancestors are commemorated on these war memorials, has led to a unique story. Libby Capstick was an early member of the group and a leading contributor to this book.

The ‘Kirkdale’ book has mini histories of the 36 men commemorated on the various war memorials in the parish, it includes many photographs and copies of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission certificates for each person.

Rev Binks who wrote the foreword for the Kirkdale book, said: “For as we read of their families, work, hobbies and hopes so cruelly cut short, they come alive to us - no longer just names and numbers and if you are curious to know their stories you will find the answers here.”

The ‘Rievaulx, Old Byland, Scawton and Cold Kirby War Memorials’ book contains histories of the men commemorated on the local war memorials in the parish, along with information about those on the Roll of Honour.

At Scawton church there is a memorial plaque to commemorate the five Free French Airmen who were killed when their Halifax bomber crashed on its way back to Elvington airfield on March 15 1945.

Peter Braithwaite, Project Lead said: “These two books represent the culmination of a great deal of research and hard work by a number of volunteers.

“I thank each of them for their contributions and in particular to Libby Capstick whose put so much into this project, I am sure she would have been proud of the result.”

Both books can be found in local bookshops or through the website www.ryedalefamilyhistory.org.