SHEILA Brady, from Urmston, who wrote Chapel Street, “The Bravest little Street in England” became curious when she discovered her Great Uncle lived there.

She attended a children’s play which mentioned him and the mostly Irish residents of Chapel Street. This was her motivation for the book.

She discovered her Great Uncle had been awarded the Military Medal after rescuing an injured officer from the Bulgarians under heavy fire. The rescued officer was the father of Dick King-Smith, the children’s author.

Sheila became fascinated by the gallantry of the 161 Chapel Street volunteers who served in 23 regiments and corps.

She said: “One soldier, Joe Norton, rescued and took to safety the former Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan who had fallen into a slit trench.”

She spoke of two Irish brothers, Patrick and Martin de Courcey who were captured within months of one another and had previously served in the Boer War. Patrick was caught in Mons where he fought with the 4th Hussars. His brother, with the Cheshire Regiment, was captured in Ypres.

Martin was held in the notorious Wittenberg camp with little food, no change of shirt or letters home. Typhus was rife.

Sheila said: “I discovered the story of another soldier who, after fighting bravely in four battles, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was taken away from him for reasons explained in my book. “

It was Peter Hennerley, grandson of one of four Hennerleys to volunteer, who pushed for Chapel street’s blue plaque, added in 2009.

“I am concerned about the plans for a new multi-storey car park on this historic site.” said Sheila

*The book, priced £16, is published by the History Press and is available from most leading bookshops. A portion of Royalties will go to the charity Walking with the Wounded.