THE names and details of more than 400 men who died in the First World War are being published on a roll of honour by a local council.

Rochford District Council is publishing the records of the men who fought in the 1914-18 war. The list details the name of each man, the unit or ship in which he served, the date he died and where he is buried, or the memorial where he is remembered.

It includes some tragic stories, such as the soldier who was killed in action while working as a stretcher-bearer, the petty officer killed on a ship which blew up at anchor with the loss of 800 men and the captain who died on active service from a mid-air collision over Shotgate when searching at night for Gotha Bombers.

It also gives a clear picture of the tender age of some of the men who gave their lives, including a sailor who worked as a telegraphist and died aged just 15.

June Lumley, chairman of Rochford District Council, said: “The council is proud to publish this list of local heroes who died while serving their country.

“It is important that we never forget their sacrifice. I would also like to thank those who put the time and effort into compiling this list as a lasting memory to those who fought and died for our freedom.”

The database details also include, where possible, where the men lived, their occupation, their familymembers and how they died. In some cases, families lost more than one son.

For some, there are gravestone inscriptions, including one to “a faithful soldier.”

Others are recognised for having been awarded decorations for gallantry.

The list was compiled using the present day district boundary and includes not just those who were living in the area at the time of the war, but those who have had a link to the area through residence or family connections.

It was compiled as a personal project by Rochford District Council employee Jim Kevany, who is a member of the Western Front Association.

John Baker, Southend branch chairman of the Western Front Association, said: “Thanks to Jim, the long list of names on our war memorials is no longer anonymous.

We now know where they lived and worked and who they loved. May they forever rest in peace.

“On behalf of the silent, who cannot do so, I’d like to say thank you to Jim who has put many, many hours of hard work into this project and I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation of a job well done.”

Viv Irvine from the Rochford District Community Archive, Mr Baker, Karen Dennis, the memorial officer, of the Essex Branch of the Western Front Association, and John Priestley from Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass, also helped compile the database The Roll of Honour website can be found at www.roll-ofhonour.com/Essex/