LAUNCESTON-based author Robert (Ken) Johns’ book, Battle Beneath The Trenches, has just won the prestigious Holyer An Gof award for History and Non Fiction.

The book is about the recognition of Cornish miners who fought under the trenches in World War One.

The author’s grandfather, a miner from Camborne, was one of those who volunteered, initially based at home, then sent to training camp at Chyandour, Penzance, before embarking for France.

Using many authenticated records and archives during his extensive research, he discovered the previously untold story of a group of Cornishmen who were specially selected for their skills, and became arguably the most successful tunneling company on the Western Front.

The book is well illustrated, has received some great reviews and gives full recognition of the bravery of the Cornishmen who served.

Ken is still looking for information on the units they served in, the 10th DCLI and 251st Tunnelling Company RE.

If anyone has any further information on these units, or knows of anyone that might, please contact Ken via the website www.robertkjohns.co.uk