A BRADFORD church is detailing the history of 21 local men who died in the First World War to commemorate the 100 years since the conflict ended.

The Parish of St James, Bolton Road, this weekend is displaying the exhibition.

Jenny Medley, church lay reader and keen amateur historian, has uncovered the stories of these remarkable servicemen, some of which are the relations of the church’s congregation.

Jenny said: “After researching my own family tree, I decided to investigate the men who died in the First World War and who are commemorated in St James church, Bolton, Bradford War Memorial.

"Although today they are only names on a memorial plaque, they were men with families, jobs and lives to live in Bradford.

"It’s been a privilege to find out about all 21 of their stories and to share this information with today’s local community.”

Most interestingly, Jenny’s research led her to learn that the idea of burying the body of an unknown serviceman in Westminster Abbey with full honours was the idea of the priest at St James, the Rev David Railton.

Mr Railton served in WWI as a chaplain to the Forces and was awarded the Military Cross in 1916 after saving an officer and two men under heavy fire.

He first had the idea of arranging for the body of an unknown serviceman to be transported back to Britain and buried with full honours while serving on the Western Front.

In October 1920 his idea was finally realised when the Dean of Westminster Abbey took it up and lobbied the Prime Minister Lloyd George who persuaded King George V. One of six bodies exhumed from the battlefields became the Unknown Warrior.

Mr Railton was vicar of St James from 1927-1931. He died in 1955 at the age of 71.

Further information on Mr Railton’s life and about the 21 men from the Parish of St James who died can be seen in the exhibition.

The church is inviting members of the public to explore the church’s local history and connection to WWI with all ages welcome.

There is a children’s history trail and refreshments will be available at the free event.

The Church Exhibition is open from 10am to 1pm today and tomorrow from noon to 2pm.

People can also pay their respects at a Church Service of Remembrance from 10.30am to noon tomorrow at St James’ Parish Church and a further Service of Remembrance from 2pm to 3.15pm at Bradford Christian School, Livingston Road.