THE grim realities of the Far East conflict during the Second World War are being captured in words by Forest author and local councillor Ian Hendy.

Mr Hendy, chairman of West Dean Parish Council, is researching material for a book which will tell the story of Forest people who took part in the Burma Campaign.

Already the author of two impressive and detailed books about Bream's cenotaph and the village schools, Mr Hendy was asked by local members of the Burma Star Association to record some of the wartime stories they had to tell.

Bream cenotaph is the official memorial for the Forest of Dean branch of the Burma Star Association and the branch colours have been laid up in Bream's St James' Church.

Details of the war records of each of those named on the cenotaph form the centrepiece of Mr Hendy's book 'Retrieving Wenty's Sturty Bird.'

He said: "I was asked by the late Mr Bert Cole to write down some of the many stories members of the Forest branch could recall. But, of couse, not every one who served in Burma was an active member of the Burma Star Association and I am anxious names should not slip through the net.

"It is a fascinating story and if there is anyone locally who can add to my research with little details I would be most pleased the hear from them. It could from men who served there or from their families who knew little about where they were or what was going on," he said.

•Mr Hendy can be contacted on Dean 563290.