A TAILOR who moved to Ramsbottom from Czechoslovakia during the war has written a book about his struggle for freedom.

Joe Novak has now donated a copy of his book to Ramsbottom Library and Heritage Centre to say ‘thank you’ to the town.

In his book, ‘My Struggle For Freedom’, 88-year-old Mr Novak describes the difficulties he and his family endured in Czechoslovakia.

His home was in Silesia, which bordered Poland and the town he lived with was divided, with half being taken by Poland and the remainder in Czechoslovakia.

The family was large and very poor, but Mr Novak tells of the activities which they enjoyed without any cost.

He learned tailoring with a Jewish company but when the Germans invaded the owner was arrested and Mr Novak was forced to give up the trade as a “punishment” for working with Jews, he says.

After Silesia was annexed by the Germans, he was conscripted into the German army, serving in France and then the Russian front, later going back to France.

Mr Novak then managed to get to the British lines and was sent to England where he joined the Czech Army returning to France, serving with distinction, and for his bravery being awarded the Military Medal.

After the war he returned to Czechoslovakia, however when the communists came to power he escaped and returned to England in 1949.

Mr Novak later took up tailoring again and developed a successful business making suits in Ramsbottom, opening numerous shops in the area.

He met his wife, Sheila, and they had three children and six grandchildren.

Mr Novak, who now lives in Rawtenstall, said: “I have given a copy of my book to the library because I want to thank the people of Ramsbottom because it was through their help that I have made it.”