A DUTCH family want to honour a serviceman from Rhyl who died in a World War Two plane crash in the Netherlands, and have appealed for help in finding his relatives.
Pim Klunder, along with his brother Kevin and father Ron, have adopted the grave of Sgt Robert Elwyn Roberts (1389926 RAF), who died aged 31 in the crash in Haarzuilens, near Utrecht, on January 9, 1943.
Sgt Roberts, son of David and Jane, was one of seven who died in the same Lancaster ED319 DX-H plane.
The Klunder family hope to create a memorial at the site of the crash.
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Adopting the graves of fallen soldiers is common practice in the Netherlands for people who want to pay their respects.
Pim said: “We have adopted the graves of these seven brave men who gave their lives for our freedom.
“We will always remember them on the day they lost their lives, light candles to remember them, and regularly place flowers on their graves.
“Maybe Robert’s family can tell us more about who he was, and maybe there are some pictures of him and the airplane.”
Anyone who may be able to help has been asked to email Lancasterdxh@gmail.com.
Sgt Roberts’ gravestone, at Amersfoort (Oud Leusden) General Cemetery, reads: “A devoted, son, an affectionate brother, a loyal friend. At rest with God.”
More than 400 casualties of both world wars are buried at this cemetery, which is about 50km south-east of Amsterdam.
A similar appeal has already led to the Klunder family making contact with a relative of another member of the crew.
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