An online memorial to the men of Swanscombe who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War has been set up.

The website has been created by Chris Bateman, 41, who plans to include a biography of each person.

The father of two is now asking for help from relatives and friends of the 114 men who can supply further information and photographs.

Mr Bateman, who lives in Pentstemon Drive, Swanscombe, said: “Whilst visiting Connaught Cemetery on the Somme some years ago, I discovered the grave of Pte John Anderson, a Swanscombe man killed during the battle of the Somme.

“On my return, I went to find the war memorial only to discover that unlike many other town war memorials, there are no names inscribed on it.

“I decided to research all the men of Swanscombe who gave their lives in the First World War and create a permanent online memorial to them.

“The irony is that the Swanscombe war memorial states ‘their names liveth forever more’ yet very few people know who ‘they’ were.”

The population of Swanscombe during the 1911 census was nearly 8,000 with 1,556 households within the parish. The current population has nearly doubled to almost 16,000.

The First World War began on July 28, 1914 and continued until November 11, 1918. Millions of people perished during the fighting.

Civil servant Mr Bateman added: “I have photos, stories and medals belonging to my great-grandfathers who served in the war so I thought that there must be relatives of those who died still living in the area with the same.

“Hopefully, they may come forward and I can add that information to their relative’s biography.

“On the approach to the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, I felt it was important not to forget these men.”

If you can help, email info@swanscombememorial.co.uk and for more information, click here.