A NEW book depicting the lives of the 308 soldiers of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment is being launched.

The book, entitled Devotion to Duty: Gallantry Awards Won by The Devonshire Regiment and The Dorset Regiment 1919-58 has been written by Nick Speakman and Christopher Jary.

The book delves into the lives of 308 soldiers who won 321 gallantry awards between them during the four decades between the end of the First World War and 1958.

The stories are structured chronologically and describes the individual campaigns in each award and provides a biography and occasionally a photograph of the winner.

The story begins in the North Russia Campaign of 1919 and continues through Iraq, Ireland, India and Palestine and ends with the post-war campaigns in Malaya, Korea and Kenya.

Most awards were won during the Second World War, but brave soldiers from the First World War are also featured.

One of the most inspiring stories is that of Clifford Down, who won the Military Medal thanks to his heroic actions when his rifle company came under heavy fire.

Disregarding his own personal safety, Mr Down managed to dodge the bullets flying over his head and collect many injured and fallen colleagues before moving them to a safe place behind cover.

At the book launch, Mr Clifford’s son, Barry Down, will be attending the event to give it his seal of approval The book is more than 300 pages long, and contains around 150 photographs and 20 maps.

The official launch of the book is on Saturday, July 16, from 12.45pm at The Drill Hall, Poundbury Road in Dorchester.