WHEN Terence Grogan came across this little prayer book among a selection of items he bought from a shop he was immediately inspired to find out more.

But he has been unable to find out anything about the soldier who carried this little pocket-size book, during World War One and is hoping now Looking Back readers might be able to help him.

Because if Terence is able to find a living descendant of the man named in the front of the book he would love to hand it over to them.

We believe the owner to be a private J J Baron — John J Baron. We found him on the Ancestry.co.uk website and discovered he was in the Royal Engineers.

His regimental number is given as 24812 in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and it says the book was presented to him by his wife, S Baron, of Number Five, Graham Street in Bolton, Lancashire.

Graham Street no longer exists but was, we believe, near to where Fold Road Garage stands today.

The book — called the Garden of the Soul — also contained a little card which says it was presented to Mary Barrett from Canon Homes of St Peter and Paul Church although Terence believes this could be a red herring and may have no relationship to the book at all.

It is a mystery that Terence, who lives in Daubhill, would love to solve.

"It just seems so sad to think of these boys going off to war with the book in their pocket," he says.

Obviously the book came home so, hopefully, its owner did too and Terence would love to find someone it would mean something to.

"If I could hand it over to a grandchild or great grandchild I would be thrilled," he says.

It is a book that would have been treasured by a soldier practising the Catholic religion and has gold edging to the miniature pages.

Although the front cover has come away from the binding the book is in reasonably good condition considering it is at least 100 years old and, as Terence says, he wonders about the soldier who would flick through the pages while in the trenches thinking of the wife he left behind.

Hopefully it brought him some comfort during his dark days fighting in World War One.

Soldiers would be sent to battle with items given to them by their loved ones or other family members and friends.

They would have Bibles, prayer books, letters and handkerchiefs to remind them of home and give them support during their darkest days.

Although Terence has tried to track down the soldier, by using his regimental number, there appears to be no record of him available and any information would be appreciated.

Perhaps you have been tracing your family tree and you know your ancestors lived in Graham Street. Or does the name J Baron mean anything to you?

"I would be so pleased to find someone who would appreciate this book as I can imagine it would mean an awful lot to them," says Terence.

If you think the book could have belonged to your ancestor and you have any more information please get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk and we can put you in touch with Terence.