‘My father and his brother were just two young men from a whole generation who answered the call when it came and put their lives on hold. Sadly for them, things would never be the same again.

As the 75th anniversary of Dunkirk and the Blitzkreig approach, we'd like to share with you the poignant story of twin brothers from Ilford who were separated at birth, re-united by an amazing coincidence and then tragically parted forever in the early days of the Second World War.

 

Both boys were shot down on bomber missions; one died and the other spent five years in prisoner-of-war camps and his health never really recovered.

 

The tragic events were well-documented in Ilford because, by the outbreak of war, they had become talented divers and were well-known as The Heavenly Twins. Click here to read their amazing story

 

The family are planning to mark the 75th anniversary of the death of the first twin with a service and wreath-laying at his grave in Arnhem, Holland.

 

We would dearly like to trace any descendents of the Crabb family who fostered him in the hope that they will join us in Holland. Please help us to trace those people

 

'In honouring my Uncle James, we believe we will be acknowledging the debt we owe to all those who served in Bomber Command.’