A historian has published a new book documenting the remarkable story of a three-year-old girl who was evacuated to west Dorset during the Second World War.
The Long Journey Back by Elizabeth Buckler Gale, 90, of Bridport, tells the story of her long time acquaintance Betty Mackay.
As a child Betty was evacuated to Burton Bradstock from London in 1940 and grew up alongside a young Mrs Buckler Gale.
During her time there, Betty saw the GIs' arrival in the village as part of their preparations for the Normandy landings.
The book features photographs capturing this major event in history.
In one image Betty, who is now 87, is pictured outside the cookhouse of the American camp at Burton Bradstock.
She earned the nickname of 'Freckles' from the GIs, who made her a camp favourite.
A diary extract from the book detailed Betty's reaction to the unexpected arrival of the GIs: "Without any indication when we awoke one morning in November 1943, some four hundred American Army personnel had arrived and set-up camp on either side of Blind Barrow and at Common Knapp on the Weymouth Road."
Betty soon developed an affinity for the village and country life, establishing a 'close-knit' friendship group.
When she reached secondary school age she had to return to bombed-out London, vowing to one day return.
Betty returned to Burton Bradstock and has now lived there for the past 30 years.
She became involved with village drama and variety shows. One of her last projects was directing a production of Calendar Girls in the village hall in 2013.
Mrs Buckler Gale said she felt the story of her lifelong acquaintance and valued member of the community Mrs Mackay was important.
She said: "Betty threw herself into local activities with great success. I have known her all my life and felt that her story should be told."
There will be a book signing of The Long Journey Back at the Burton Bradstock Reading Room on Thursday, August 29, from 11am to 4pm, with both Mrs Buckler Gale and Mrs Mackay in attendance.
There will also be refreshments and a mini photograph display available.
The book is currently available to buy at £9.95 from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Museum, West Bay Discovery Centre and Burton Bradstock Post Office.
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