The stories behind the names
The two World Wars were turning points in world history. They claimed the lives of an estimated 100 million people across the globe and had an impact on the lives of everyone, whether they were stationed on the front lines or at home.
Sefton lost around 4,000 men and women from 1914–1918 during The Great War, and a further 1680 during World War 2. Their names are inscribed on the 11 memorials throughout the borough. World War 2 also saw significant numbers of civilian casualties with 640 residents killed during air raids.
However not all casualties were included on the war memorials. Some families asked for names to be added at a later date, some service men and women were completely missed, some civilian casualties were not included on the memorials at all. This website has been created not only to commemorate the Great War, but also World War 2 ending 75 years ago. It tells the stories behind the names of the brave men and women who gave their lives during these conflicts be they service personnel or civilians.
A CALL TO ARMS
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two this September, Sefton Library Service will be expanding the Beyond the War Memorials project.
The aim is to include the names of the fallen from World War Two on the site, both military personnel and civilian casualties. Using a National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant, we will be working with local schools and the community to source the personal stories behind the names.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
If you are interested in taking part in the project, there are lots of ways you could get involved. By helping to collate the names, researching the basic details of the fallen and aiding us to expand our knowledge of the ‘Home Front’ in Sefton. For more info just contact us via the contact page.
18 men from Antonio Street alone were killed in action during World War One
To try and illustrate how the death toll would have affected the residents of Sefton, local historians Marie McQuade and Jo McCann looked at Antonio Street, a small street of terraced houses near Bedford Road Primary in Bootle. Eighteen men were killed in action, from this small street of 72 houses. READ MORE
Bootle in the Blitz
In May 1941, over 8 nights, Bootle became one of the most bombed places in England.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the May Blitz Sefton Libraries have published Bootle In The Blitz. The book is a written and photographic account of this periodand is based on records and notes from Major George Salt, OBE – Bootle’s Air Raid Precaution Officer.
