War mysteries

However, they are trying to fill in a number of frustrating gaps and have appealed for people's help to solve a few mysteries.

Project co-ordinator David Coward said: "The motivation for the project stemmed from a realisation by members of Storrington Royal British Legion as we gathered around the war memorial at last year's Remembrance service.

"Despite the exhortation delivered at all our meetings, ending with the words 'We will remember them', very few of us knew anything about Storrington's servicemen who had sacrificed their lives for their country in two world wars.

"We decided the best method of ensuring their contribution would not be forgotten would be to produce a book of remembrance.

"This book would give details of each man's ship, regiment or other service unit, date and place of birth and his connection with the village.

"It would also contain his marital status and details of the action in which he was killed, his place of burial and where his death overseas is commemorated.

"Finally, we thought that, where possible, a photograph of the man should be included.

"We recognised from the outset that only a handsome leatherbound book of the highest quality, containing archival paper, would be suitable.

"Steps were taken at once to enlist support. The parish council, a little to our surprise, was unable to offer any help at the present time.

"However, West Sussex County Council and local organisations such as the Lions Club and Rotary have given, or promised, financial backing.

"This, together with the thousands of pounds that our own members have already realised, ensures the project's viability.

"Publicity has been given to the project in the local Press and in the church magazine and the help of residents in providing detailed information on the war casualties has been widely canvassed.

"Unfortunately, our appeal has not produced as much data as I had hoped.

"However, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has been most helpful.

"The West Sussex records office has much information on the Royal Sussex Regiment and was therefore another place to look since so many of the names on our memorial served in the regiment.

"At the initiation of the project, it was hoped the book could be completed in time for its dedication at this year's remembrance service at St Mary's Church, where a display case is being prepared for that purpose.

"The research involved, however, has inevitably proved more time consuming that I anticipated.

"We are now thinking in terms of May, around the anniversary of VE Day.

"This would seem to be a fitting conclusion to a project which, it is hoped, will fill a most important gap in the history of our parish."

Mr Coward is still trying to unearth information about four First World War casualties: Private James Hearn, Rifleman Frederick Lelliott, Private Wallace Medhurst and Sapper William Vincent.

Also wanted are details about five victims from the Second World War and later conflicts: Sergeant Cyril Attield (Aden), Flying Officer Frank Elliott, Sapper Harry Miller, Private William Reeves and Flying Officer Richard Tovey.