A Penryn research project to commemorate the centenary of World War I has already started to bear fruit.

Susan Williams has been finding out about four members of her family who signed up to the Penryn Company of the Royal Engineers, and has been collaborating with the Who Do You Think You Were campaign started by Chas Wenmoth of Penryn’s Royal British Legion.

Susan’s great uncle, Sapper William Henry Scheffers, was awarded the Military Medal for his service with the Penryn Company of the Royal Engineers, while his younger brother Victor served with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

William’s two cousins, Walter and William Worsdell, both signed up as sappers with the Penryn Company on the same day.

Susan said: “I asked Chas for help because a lot of records got destroyed during the blitz.

“He’s looking, but I don’t think we’re the only family.”

Chas is seeking more people to volunteer information for his project, and asking anyone with photos, letters, medals, or other family memorabilia from the war to get in touch.

The results of his research will be presented during Penryn Week at the Thirsty Scholar pub in West Street.

He said: “Everyone living in Penryn should feel free to take part, it doesn’t matter whether their family is originally from the town.

One eleven year old girl took part, and her uncles were all from Scotland.”

Anyone who wants to find more about their family history should give their family name, contact details and list of items they have to Penryn Town Council before May 31.