THIS month marks 100 years since soldiers brought a slice of Reading to France, creating a home away from home.

John Allinson, Leighton Park School’s archivist co-wrote a book uncovering the history of ‘C’ Company’s billeting in Ennemain.

“When two former pupils of Leighton Park School, Reading, were billeted in Ennemain’s old château as members of the Regiment’s ‘C’ Company in March 1917, they renamed their 15th century abode Leighton Park in homage to their old school,” he said.

“Former member of Leighton Park School staff, Capt. Whittaker and former student, John A (Jack) Brain, erected a large board four feet square painted with the name ‘Leighton Park’ which they placed at the front entrance of the château.

“Many men in ‘C’ Company’s battalion came from Reading, and as they set about the task of repairing the roads, they enjoyed renaming Ennemain’s village streets ‘Broad Street’ ‘The Butts’”

The book costs £6 and is available from johnallin son@leightonpark.com