THE grandson of a soldier killed during the Second World War is still trying to trace his relatives.

Con McGrath is desperate to track down relatives of Trooper John Meagher, who lived in Darwen at the time of his death in 1941, to find out more information about his grandfather.

Mr McGrath said Trooper Meagher, who was born in Templemore, County Tipperary, Ireland, served in the Fourth Royal Tank Regiment, equipped with Matilda tanks used for infantry support.

He said it was likely he was involved in Operation Crusader, the operation against Nazi tank regiment chief Erwin Rommel in North Africa.

Mr McGrath said: “I do not even have a photo of this hero who gave his all in the fight against Nazism. I want to learn all I can about him.

“He was killed in action soon after Operation Crusader finished, but his wife and son were living at 61 Hannah Street, Darwen.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Darwen reporter Dan Clough on 01254 298212, or e-mail daniel.clough@nqnw.co.uk