A new book is set to highlight the heroes of The Staffordshire Regiment.
Rugeley author Jeff Elson will be launching his latest edition of Honours and Awards, The Staffordshire Regiments, 1919 – 2007 on Friday (May 23).
He will unveil the book at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Whittington.
It is the third and last in the series that lists all of those men who have been awarded a commendation in the 88 years from 1919-2007.
Jeff, who is Head of Research at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, spent seven years in the army, joining The Staffordshire Regiment in 1971. He followed this with 14 year’s service in the Staffordshire Police Force.
“I obtained details on the awards from local newspapers and by interviewing veterans and speaking to their families,” he said. “I’ve been visiting the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 since 1986 and have been to many of the scenes where these acts of gallantry occurred.
“Researching these books I’ve met some remarkable individuals, including Richard Gordon Rutter MM – known as ‘Dick’ – who was awarded his Military Medal for acts of gallantry in Normandy in 1944. Despite a head-wound, when his No. 2 on the Bren Gun was killed, he assaulted a German position on his own. His actions saved the lives of the remaining men in his platoon.
“I wanted to add as much detail as possible by including awards for Gallantry and Long Service in both the Regular and Territorial Army plus Regimental, Home Guard and Army Cadet Force awards, in addition to awards given after leaving the army for civilian life.”
The hard-backed book is £39.95 and can be purchased from the Museum or direct from the publishers Token Publishing on 01404 46972.
