Hunt for family of pilot buried for 66 years in wreckage of his bomber
An appeal was made today to trace the family of a 20-year-old RAF airman killed 66 years ago - just months before the end of the Second World War.
The remains of Flight Sergeant David Millard Perkins were found at the crash site in the buried wreck of his Douglas A-20 Boston bomber in July. He and three other crew members died when their plane crashed in Italy on April 21, 1945.
The aircraft of 18 Squadron took off from Forli near Rimini and is believed to have been brought down by anti-aircraft fire.
The bomber was unearthed by members of an Italian aviation association searching for Second World War aircraft near Ferrara north of Bologna.
According to MoD records, Flt Sgt Millard Perkins, who was the plane's navigator, was born in Honor Oak in July 1924.
His parents were Leonard and Annie Millard Perkins who lived in Sydenham. It is believed he had two sisters, Helen and Mary, and a brother Gordon.
Sue Raftree from the MoD said: "He joined the RAF in Euston and before that he was a clerk. That is about all we know about him. Despite our best efforts we have not been able to trace any family members."
She added: "We would very much like to track down any of David's relatives with a view to inviting them to a future re-interment ceremony."
Anyone with information should contact Sue Raftree at the MoD on 01452 712612 extension 6303 or 7495.
