A GROUP dedicated to marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War One in Marlow will kick off a series of public events in July with a talk from a renowned author and academic.

Marlow Remembers WWI is a group of historians and residents been set up to lead and co-ordinate the commemorations in Marlow.

And the group will present its first event on Friday, July 18 at Liston Hall when TV and radio broadcaster and university professor Garry Sheffield appears to examine the challenges facing the British army on the Western Front.

Prof. Sheffield of Wolverhampton University is the author of ‘The Chief: Douglas Haig and the British Army’ He will look at the reasons why it was so difficult to break through the trench lines, and the bloody learning process that British troops underwent.

August sees the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI, when Germany declared war on Russia.

Marlow Remembers WWI has plans to produce wealth of local and of international information with details of the Marlow men who gave their lives in the devastating conflict.

Members also aim to chart the lives and community the soldiers left behind at home.

A website has been launched, www.marlowww1.org.uk which will include information on events and commemorations, as well as biographical information uncovered as part of the group’s efforts.