Historians are trying to trace relatives of a wartime fighter pilot who was shot down and killed.

Worthing Museum has been contacted by archivist Sander Woonings, of the Achterhoek aircraft research group in The Netherlands, who needs help in finding people with information on Worthing airman Claude Mervin Wheatley.

The flying officer was a Spitfire pilot who was shot down on March 22, 1940, in the eastern part of the Netherlands. He was given a military funeral by the Germans.

The society is particularly keen to locate relatives of his widow Jean.

If anyone can help, please call Ann Wise at the museum on 01903 221139 or email ann.wise@worthing.gov.uk