A FORMER airman whose plane was shot down twice in the second world war is appealing for kind-hearted Blackpool folk to look out for the memento which is his only link to late colleagues.

Les Chisnall, 80, lost the Albatross badge and an RAF cap while holidaying in Blackpool and Christmas and is desperate for its return.

Mr Chisnall was given the badge by his squadron leader while recuperating in hospital after a wartime crash. Shortly afterwards, his entire Lancaster Bomber crew, including Les's replacement as rear gunner, died after being shot down over the North Sea.

"The badge has got great sentimental value," said Mr Chisnall: "I lost a crew when we got shot down and the badge is part of my history.

"I tried around the local shops that used to sell these badges, but none of them have got it. I don't want anyone to go to any trouble, but I would really appreciate it if someone could get it to me."

The badge is described as being around four inches in height and an inch and a half in width. It is the squadron symbol of 100 Squadron, the group with which Mr Chisnall served at Waltham, near Grimsby.

During the war he survived three different crashes -- two when planes he was on were shot down, another when the plane suffered technical problems while landing.

Mr Chisnall arranged the trip to the resort, from Christmas Eve until after Boxing Day, as a special festive surprise for wife, Constance, also 80, who had never visited the resort before.

The former rear gunner, who had visited the town during the war and during his later career as chauffeur for American film produced, Bob Goldstein, booked the trip especially.

"I had visited Blackpool many times, in the forces and in my career since the war, but Constance had never been to Blackpool before and had always wanted to visit."

CAN you help Mr Chisnall? If you have found the Albatross badge, get in touch with the Citizen newsdesk on 01253 292005.