Barking and Dagenham’s wardead to be recorded in new Book of Remembrance

Volunteers looking to create a permanent record of people from Barking and Dagenham who have lost their lives serving in the British Armed Forces since the Second World War are appealing for support.

Researchers at Valence House Museum are trying to produce a Book of Remembrance which comprehensively documents all of those who lived in Barking and Dagenham and have lost their lives while fighting for their country over the last 70 years.

The team are trawling through backdated copies of our newspaper, as well as archives, and are asking for members of the public to come forward if they know of anyone who ought to be included.

Volunteer Derek Alexander said: “British soldiers have served in many conflicts during the last 70 years - surely now must be the time for those lost lives to be permanently honoured in their home town.

“Our warm-hearted and compassionate local communities have always supported all events at Valence House involving military personnel - we really hope they will want to help us complete this Book of Remembrance and also purchase a display cabinet to allow public viewing.”

You can help the volunteers be in with a chance of winning a cash prize by voting for the project in Barking and Dagenham’s Tesco stores during March and April using a token given at the check-out.

Contact valencevolunteers@gmail.com if you have any information.