Godmanchester WWII History Explored by Local Historian Roger Leivers

Roger Leivers lives in Godmanchester. He is a local historian and speaker. Roger wrote two books about the town’s WWII history. His first book, “Stirling to Essen,” came out in 2017. It tells of a bomber crash in 1942.

Roger started the book in 2012. He used to lead WWII history walks, raising money for the local museum. One day, he got an email about the bomber crash from an out-of-town man. Roger confirmed the crash with locals.

The man owned the pilot’s old sports car, a rare and valuable Squire Supercharger. Roger contacted him, and they brought the car to town. The pilot’s son came too, and they raised money for charity. Roger then decided to trace the crew’s stories.

“Stirling to Essen” became quite successful. Roger says he sold around 3,000 copies. The book tells a story of forgotten people and remembers the Short Stirling bomber. Roger feels honored to have written it, as it helps raise money, and his talks and events also came from it.

Roger and his team have donated around £40,000 to charities in memory of the people in his stories. His second book is titled “Godmanchester at War.” It sounds local, but it covers a lot.

The book honors those from the town who died and includes children’s war memories. They recall a V-1 attack near Godmanchester. The book also shares evacuee tales, touches on Dad’s Army and local politics, and tells a love story.

Half the book covers Farm Hall, where German scientists suspected of working on Nazi atomic weapons were held. Roger says the book reflects small-town life during war.

Roger also made “The Godmanchester Bugle,” which features WWI stories from local papers. Steve Bengree helped put it online. They made a booklet of these stories which sold out quickly in 2023, but is back in stock.

Roger is planning talks and a project later this year. He is also considering other book ideas.