WROUGHTON is commemorating the centenary of the First World War with an exhibition dedicated to 66 villagers who served during the conflict.

The display, based at Wroughton Library, features details of the people named on the village’s war memorial. It will open to the public on Friday.

Wroughton History Group and the village’s Royal British Legion branch have worked together on the project. The exhibition is on until the end of August.

Danny Hicks, long-serving history group member, said: “Given the significance of this year, I think there will be a lot of interest in this exhibition, and it was very important that we did something to mark this major milestone.

“Wroughton is a small place, so to have that many people go off to fight, it would have made a huge difference to the outlook of the village. Sadly, there were lads who grew up together who never came back.”

Ian Woodford, Wroughton and District Royal British Legion chairman, said the exhibition is a respectful commemoration of the servicemen’s efforts.

He said: “In Wroughton we always come out in large numbers on Remembrance Sunday so I’m hopeful that many people will come and visit the exhibition.

“I think it is important that the younger generations are aware of what happened during the conflict and that everyone takes the time to honour those who fought.

“This display gives visitors the chance to learn about the person rather than just seeing their names on the war mem-orial.

“This poor generation is nearly all gone, but the Royal British Legion ensures support is given to past and present servicemen and their families.

“I’d like to say what a good job Danny and the history group have done researching this project.”

Wroughton’s legion and history group are also working together to get the names of another 29 servicemen, who they believe fought during the First World War, added to the village’s war memorial.

Ian said: “Lots of research has gone into finding these names and we’ll be working with the legion at a county level and the War Memorials Trust to get them added.”

l For more information about the First World War exhibition call the library on 01793 846222.