A mother’s wartime story has been preserved for future generations after securing funding from Bassetlaw District Council.
A book called ‘Little Me and the Untold Story’, a wartime story of resilience has been published and delves into the life of Květa, a 16-year-old girl who escaped from Prague a few months after the start of World War Two.
Květa is the mother of Gillian Hatley-Warnes, who lives in the district, and this full story has been made possible through the council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The first part of the book was written by Květa, with Gill adding a follow-on account of her Mum and Dad’s lives and what happened to Květa’s family.
Alan Withington has been involved in using Gill’s research and putting the parts together. He said: “The book, ‘Little Me and the Untold Story’ holds an important message for modern Britain to reject all forms of hate and choose a kinder way of being.
“The talks Gill gives about her mother’s life in many venues around Bassetlaw, reminds us that our personal choice to live by kindness is the most powerful thing we can contribute to our world.”
Gillian, who brings her mother’s story to life at presentations across the district, also shares how Květa was one of only two surviving family members, the rest of her family having perished in Majdanek concentration camp.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: ““We are pleased to have supported this project through our UKSPF funding and community support.
“I witnessed Gill’s work in the community when she brought artefacts and delivered a talk to young people at Carlton Youth Centre before they travelled to Poland to visit Auschwitz.
“‘Little Me’ is a powerful account of resilience, and it will help safeguard a personal history of the Second World War for years to come.”
Bassetlaw Museum currently has a limited number of copies for sale. A copy has also been sent to The Jewish Museum in Prague for their archives, while any donations made from Gillian’s talks are also being sent there.
Last Updated on Monday, June 15, 2026