A CHURCH in the Furness fells is seeking help to trace relatives and find out details about some of the men from Tottlebank who served in the First World War.

Tottlebank Baptist Church, near Greenodd, has been trying to find out more about those on its roll of honour and memorial plaque, which are in the building dating to 1669.

The roll of honour commemorates the service of soldiers who served and returned from the 1914 to 1918 conflict.

The church has its normal Remembrance Service this Sunday at 10.30am but also has a Tottlebank Remembers 100 Years service on Sunday, November 18, from 10.30am.

The special service will particularly remember those named in the church who fought or died in the First World War.

Representatives from South Cumbrian branches of the Royal British Legion have been asked to attend and an invitation is extended to relatives of the Tottlebank soldiers.

Some relatives have already been in touch with photographs or details but some names have proved difficult to research.

A spokesperson for the project said: "We are also searching for the certificates that were issued for each of the 53 soldiers that are named."

If you can help, get in touch with Pastor Michael Bonser on 01539 592835 or send an email to michaelbonser28@gmail.com

You can also send details on Tottlebank soldiers to res1418@outlook.com

Among relatives being sought are those of Reuben Jackson, whose family farmed Chapel Farm at Tottlebank. He died in 1935.

In 1939, First World War veteran Bill Jones was a coal merchant and his wife, Annie ran Lowick Green Post Office. Are any of Bill’s descendants still in Furness?

Arthur Atkinson was brought up by his grandparents, Moses and Ellen Sproat in Spark Bridge.

He served with the Australian Imperial Force and was killed in action on September 11 in 1918.

There may still be family members in the Kendal area for William R. G. Holme who married Elizabeth McDougall and had a daughter Betty.

In 1911, Albert Leviston lived with his parents, George and Elizabeth, at Beech Cottage, Penny Bridge. 

He served with 10th King's Own Liverpool Regiment and survived the war.