AS THE centenary of the First World War approaches, Bournemouth Council wants to hear from anyone who knows someone who died in the conflict.
To commemorate the war's 100th anniversary next year, the council is asking local families, historians and anyone with an interest in World War I to help ensure its Book of Remembrance has the most complete record possible.
The book lists residents living within the boundaries of the borough of Bournemouth prior to or during the war, who lost their lives while fighting for their country during the carnage of 1914-18 in which 16 million people died.
Cllr David Kelsey, chairman of the First World War centenary planning and delivery group said: “The First World War is an incredibly important part of our history.
“It is vital that future generations don't forget what happened and remember those who lived, fought and died in the war. "Learning from the events and experiences of the past allows us to build a better future."
A program of activities and events are being planned for next year in conjunction with local schools and libraries exploring Bournemouth's First World War stories and experiences.
This will be one of many commemorations around the country as with nearly a year to go, the government has announced a four year program to mark the “war to end all wars”.
There will be help to restore war memorials, trips to battlefields for schoolchildren and a national competition to design commemorative paving stones for Victoria Cross winners in their home towns.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles said: “This will connect communities to their shared history, help residents understand how their area played its part in the Great War, and ensure memories of that sacrifice for British freedom and liberty are kept alive for generations to come.”