HUNDREDS of Inverclyde soldiers who were killed in a disastrous First World War battle will be remembered in a fascinating new book produced by a local creative group.

The 50-page graphic novel is based on the Battle of Achi Baba in Turkey on 12 July 1915.

During the battle around 300 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a great many of them from Gourock, were among the 4,000 who fell.

The book about the ill-fated events, which has been produced by Magic Torch — a voluntary arts and heritage group — features war poetry, letters and field reports as well as contemporary articles from the sensationalist magazine The War Illustrated.

Paul Bristow, one of the volunteers, says the Heritage Lottery-funded hardback will be available for free when it’s published in June.

He told the Tele: “There are lots of projects happening everywhere throughout the whole year of the centenary.

“Locally, the Battle of Achi Baba has always been commemorated as local people were involved in that part of the Gallipoli campaign.

“This year it’s more pertinent than normal because of the centenary and we wanted to do something to make sure that people pick up the story in a traditional way.” Every year people gather at the Gourock Cenotaph for a wreath-laying service to remember the town’s soldiers who were killed in fierce fighting during the battle to capture Achi Baba — a prominent hill featuring a commanding view of Cape Helles, on the Gallipoli Peninsula — from its Turkish defenders.

The book, simply entitled ‘Achi Baba’, is aimed at those aged 14 years and older and features eye-catching illustrations by fellow volunteer Andy Lee.

It is due to be released on 22 June and will be available in various community venues and schools.