A MEMORIAL is to be built to honour Second World War servicemen who were stationed in Pickering and others who died training on North York Moors.

Historian Gordon Clitheroe and trustee of Beck Isle Museum said plans were underway to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday with a permanent tribute to the thousands of guardsmen who were based at Castle Camp, off Whitby Road.

The memorial will include a large stone with a plaque providing information about Castle Camp, surrounded by smaller stones and heather representing the North York Moors. The camp, in Whitby Road, had about 50 army huts when it was in full use, housing thousands of soldiers from numerous regiments and the Polish Brigade.

Mr Clitheroe said: “We are making good progress with all our contacts with ex-members of the guards regiments, but have drawn a blank with any Polish men who may still be alive, or their many descendants who still live in the area.”

Anyone with information should call 01751-473653 or email info@beckislemuseum.org.uk