Missing piece in war jigsaw

From the archive, first published Wednesday 25th Apr 2007.

A WAR historian needs Echo readers' help to finish a book about the fallen war heroes of Wickford and Runwell.

Stephen Newman's book will tell the stories of every serviceman killed in the First and Second World Wars, listed on the Wickford and Runwell war memorials.

Mr Newman, 35, from Run-

well Road, Wickford, has now tracked down information and photographs on all the men listed except for one - RH Jones, who is featured on the Runwell memorial.

He said: "All we know is he served in the RAF and died in the Second World War.

"I've found records of eight men who meet that criteria, but none of them had an obvious Runwell or Wickford link.

"I would like to speak to his family, or anyone else who knew him."

Mr Newman tracked the heroes through family members, internet searches, government records and obituaries from old newspaper cuttings.

The book, called the Wickford and Runwell Roll of Honour, will feature a photo and biography of each fallen serviceman.

Mr Newman, who has already written several books about the First World War, said: "There were about 150 servicemen listed and I managed to track down family for about half of them, who were able to tell me about their lives outside the services.

"I've tried to include as much biographical detail as possible, but the lion's share of what's written will be on their war records and how they were killed."

Mr Newman said he got the most satisfaction from uncovering information which even their relatives didn't know.

He said: "One seaman, Alfred Andrews, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for transporting secret agents and resistance fighters, including future French President Fran-

cois Mitterrand, into France during the Second World War."

Anyone with information on RH Jones can call 07976 954619, or log onto www.wickford-war

memorial.com

Mr Newman has vowed to use sale profits to help restore the two memorials.