THE LIVES of 32 young men from a Penarth parish who were killed on active service in The First World War have been explored in a special commemorative book.

The idea for the book came about as plans were being made to unveil a new memorial at All Saints Church in Penarth on Remembrance Sunday (November 13).

It was discovered that one of the young soldiers had been killed on that exact date 100 years ago.

This discovery sparked a decision to produce a commemorative book to accompany the dedication of the memorial.

It was researched and written by parishioner Jane McLaughlin and called simply 32 – the number killed from the parish during the war.

Many family members of those in the book were traced and attended the dedication service.

The book explains that these men who died had served in three services stretching across the world and were from all parts of society, ranging from wealthy to poor and from a lieutenant colonel to a private.

Vicar of Penarth All Saints, canon Peter Cox said: "The discovery that one young soldier from All Saints Church, Penarth was killed on November 13, 1916 resulted in the production of this wonderful book and a really moving Remembrance Day service that engaged people from the whole community of the town.

"There were some very special moments including the naming of the 32 by young people from Stanwell School and St Cyres School.

"Most of the men who died were only a few years older than them.

"A plaque to replace one destroyed by fire in 1926 and another by aerial bombardment in 1941 has been placed in All Saints as a memorial."

The idea for the book came from parishioner Len Smart and the graphics were done by Tom Crooks.