THE role of the Great Western Railway (GWR) during the First and Second World Wars is explored in a new pictorial book.

Wartime GWR is by Elaine Arthurs and Felicity Jones, who are assistant curators at STEAM – the museum of the Great Western Railway – and features previously unpublished images.

Elaine said: “We wanted to mark this centenary year with a quality pictorial book showing how the GWR company was involved in both world wars – from munitions work and building specialist locomotives and carriages for the war effort, to the new roles men and women took up within the company.

“We’re delighted with the response we had to the book’s preview at last weekend’s Swindon Railway Festival where we sold nearly 100 copies in two days.”

Wartime GWR was officially launched on Monday, and is available at the STEAM Museum Shop and from Ian Allen Publishing retail outlets.

All profits will go back to the museum to maintain the building and exhibits.

Coun Garry Perkins, Swindon Council's cabinet member for the economy, regeneration and skills, said: “I would like to thank Elaine and Felicity for all their hard work in producing such a fabulous book on behalf of STEAM.

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already bought a copy to do so.

“Wartime GWR really recognises the efforts of people in the town during two incredibly difficult periods for the country.”

The book, costing £25, is also available from easycatalog.net/home/steamshop