AN appeal has been launched to help trace family members of a Thurrock war hero.

Sgt Robert Miller was part of a five-man crew flying a Wellington bomber when it was shot down near Neeroeteren in Belgium on August 1, 1942.

Sgt Miller died, along with three other crew members.

The fifth crew member, Harry Levy, parachuted out and was eventually taken prisoner. He is now 92 and lives in Leeds.

The families of the four other men are now searching for members of Sgt Miller’s family in the hope they’ll be able to attend when a memorial is erected for the men in the Belgian town next year.

At the time of his death, Sgt Miller’s parents, Henry and Annie Rebecca, were living in Moss Road, South Ockendon.

Sgt Miller and his comrades – Mr Levy, William Hall and Canadians Alastair Martin and Willfred Clarke – were flying back from Duesseldorf, in Germany, after bombing the city and were on their way to England when they were shot down.

The four casualties are buried in a war cemetery in Heverlee, Belguim.

Did you know Sgt Miller or any of his family? If so, please help with the appeal and contact our newsroom on 01375 411501.