Hunt for family of bomber crew hero

DEAR Editor, I’m trying to trace any surviving family in the area of a local man who was killed with all of his crewmates in 1944, when their Lancaster, serial number HK559, crashed in northern France.

Every five years there is a commemoration ceremony at their grave, in the village cemetery in Gannes near the crash site.

This June will see the 75th anniversary event, and the organisers would like to welcome as many family members of the crew as possible.

To date, nobody has represented the rear gunner, Kenneth Laxton.

Kenneth was born on January 26, 1924, the son of John William Laxton and Lizzie Laxton, née Sheldon. The family home was Greeba, Primrose Lane in Hall Green, and John Laxton was described as a milk contractor.

Kenneth was the third son, with older brothers William and Leonard.

If anyone related to Kenneth Laxton reads this or has it brought to their attention, and would be interested in going to the ceremony in June, then please contact me through the Birmingham Post for further details.

I’m a nephew of the Lancaster’s wireless operator.

A history of the crash and its aftermath, including recent graveside commemorations, can be found on the website www.cromulent. co.uk/gannes

Ian Duff, North Berwick