THE story of a teenager from Stourport who became a motorbike despatch rider in the First World War will feature in a new book.

Reginald Milburne Bell left Titton Hill Farm at the age of 17 and spent the war years on the Western Front, based near La Bassee Canal, taking despatches from the front line to headquarters. Robert Bell with some of the souvenirs of the life of his brother, Reginald, a former Hartlebury Grammar School pupil. Inset, Reginald Bell.

His brother, Robert Bell, 90, said: "I remember the day he left in September, 1913, telling us he was going to look for our cousin, Ted Murby.

"They were very close in age, just six months apart, and when they died there was the same gap of six months. They managed to meet up in France.

"Sadly, Ted's body was never found but my brother was in a dugout when a shell dropped in and he died soon after from his injuries. His death ocurred just after his 21st birthday."

Reginald's diaries and papers were returned to the family, with a letter from the platoon padre describing the spot where his body was buried.

Mr Bell added: "My mother never got over his death and she and my father later became great supporters of the League of Nations."

Two years ago Mr Bell and his wife, Betty, went on a caravanning trip to Bethune, France, to visit Reginald's grave after contacting the War Graves Commission.

Details of the 16 Hartlebury Grammar School boys who fought and died in the First World War will be remembered in a new publication by amateur historian Philip Smith.

He is hoping for a similar success to his records of pupils who fought in the Second World War and wants anyone who can help him to contact him on 01908 322664.