大象传媒

Copies of extracts from a scrapbook of letters of thanks written by wounded soldiers to nurses during their time at temporary hospitals in Exeter are to form the centrepiece of a special remembrance event in the city.

The autograph books are all handwritten, often in pencil, and peppered with sketches, poems and jokes.

"These extracts provide a unique and intimate insight into the thoughts of these brave soldiers," said Katherine Weston, heritage outreach officer, Devon County Council.

"The books tell us of the terrible situations the soldiers faced and the emotions they felt, in the face of horrific situations on the front line.

"Holding the book and seeing the letters, love poems and cartoons, as if they were written yesterday, brings to life the reality of WW1 and the importance of remembrance."

The original items are at the Devon Record Office

It will be copies rather than the originals which will be on show at the special event being held at the library because they are too fragile to be displayed.

But the originals can be seen at the Devon Record Office.

The event is part of 1918 - 2008: Ninety Years of Remembrance, the 大象传媒 campaign to mark the 90th anniversary of Armistice.

Visitors are being asked to bring along any family memorabilia they have from the Great War to the event on Saturday, 8 November.

Volunteers are going to help photograph or scan them and put them on a Wall of Remembrance on the 大象传媒 website.

Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "This 90th anniversary is a particularly important one, as there are now so few left who have any first-hand memories.

"However, a great number of us have items and memories that have been passed down and are perhaps kept in attics, boxes or old photo albums.

"We want to help display them for all to see, so these memories are with us in digital form, for ever."

There will also be a chance to look at genealogical websites and explore family history at the event which will take place from 10.00 to 15.30 on 8 November 2008.