HISTORIANS are issuing a plea for anyone who had a relation connected to an event in Holland to come forward as the Second World War drew to a close in 1945 – 46.

Researcher Jennifer Murray is specifically searching for someone with a next-of-kin who was in the 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment or in a voluntary organisation in Stroud.

In October, 1944, the village of Putten in Holland was destroyed following an attack by the Dutch resistance on a German staff car.

The men of the village were sent to concentration camps and the women and children were sent from the village to fend for themselves in one of the worst winters that Holland has ever had.

When the Allied Army, including the 2nd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, arrived in Spring, 1945 they were so moved by the suffering of the children in the village that they sent news of their plight home to Stroud.

The people of Stroud made a collection of money for which the Putten villagers were so grateful they named their new village hall, primarily intended as a centre for the children, to be called Stroud.

Two visitors from Putten came to Stroud to say thank you with a presentation spoon that is now in the Museum in the Park.

However, the names of the soldiers who sent or brought the news to Stroud and the people in Stroud who arranged or helped with the collection of money is still unknown.

Historians are now asking if anyone can help to reveal who these soldiers were or perhaps you had a relation who was involved with or remembers money being collected; possibly by one of the voluntary organisations in Stroud.

If you have information that might help please send to museum@stroud.gov.uk, or drop in at the museum, clearly marked for the attention of Alexia Clark, documentation and collections officer. Or telephone 01865 959000