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In the early days of World War One, the enthusiastic patriotism with which young men queued up to join the army gave rise to the concept of a roll of honour. During that period, most believed the war would be won swiftly and casualties would be small. However, as the war dragged on and the dead multiplied, more and more recruits were needed. The roll became less definitive: often men who had moved away for work enlisted elsewhere. They nevertheless remain a poignant symbol of initial optimism and enduring pride.

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