The story of a Blackburn war hero who fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy liberating countries from Nazi rule, is being retold in a book by his daughter.

‘Dad’s Book’, by Beth Hindle, retells the amazing life story of John Hindle who was born in 1923 and fought in several campaigns during World War Two.

As part of D-Day commemorations, Beth is hosting ‘Not a D-Day Dodger’, a talk at Blackburn Library on Thursday, June 13.

Mr Hindle who died at the age of 99 in 2022, had lived in Leamington Road and later retired to Cumbria with his family.

Beth said: “The title of the event picks up on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, pointing out the absence of commemoration of other servicemen and women who like my father had already been fighting away from home for two years before June 6, 1944.

“I refer to a song of the era called the ‘D-Day Dodgers’ which is featured in a book I have written about my dad's life.

“I certainly welcome the D-Day commemoration, but the other invasions, in which my dad in the 8th Army was involved in three of them, should also be remembered.

“I am doing the presentation starting with looking at Dad's war years then other aspects of his family history and life.

"It certainly features Blackburn, its history and changing times over the 19th and 20th Centuries.”

The book’s synopsis reads: ‘If you want to know how to live beyond the age of 99 with joy in your heart, then read this book.

"Share in the wisdom, stories, and adventures of a man living through the 20th century, who fought the Nazis first in Africa and then in Europe, never being able to return home in three years.

‘Born shortly after the First World War when peace was thought to be guaranteed, his exploits throughout his life rival any of today's adventurers. 

“This is also a story of a romance told in letters, the trials of a working-class family, and how friendships support us through the ups and downs of life.

"It's a story of a seemingly ordinary man, the writer's father, who did amazing things throughout his life.

‘His history is all of our history. Why? Because the 20th Century with both its fantastic achievements and terrible destructive forces has shaped our today.

"How do we look back to the past to help us prepare for our unpredictable tomorrow? Answering that question is vital to us all. What can we learn from the past and his life to help our futures?"

The presentation is free and open to everyone and will take place from 2pm on Thursday, June 13, at Blackburn Library.

To find out more you can e-mail library@blackburn.gov.uk or call 01254 661221.