A DUTCH man is trying to trace the family of a soldier, born in Tavistock, who served in the first and second world wars.

Twenty-one year old Koen Hermsen from Nijmegen in the Netherlands, has an interest in the second world war and recently acquired some medals that belonged to a soldier, Philip George Wakeham, originally from Tavistock. In a bid to find out more information about the soldier, Mr Hermsen used the phone book to identify any Wakeham's living in Tavistock.

One Mr Wakeham received a letter from Mr Hermsen, but unfortunately is not from the same Wakeham family, but handed the letter into the Times to see if there were any descendants of Philip Wakeham who may like to get in contact.

In his letter, Mr Hermsen tells of how his grandmother used to tell him stories of her war experiences — her father served in the Navy for nearly 40 years, being held as a prisoner of war in Germany until the end of the war, and her mother died of cancer, leaving her to take care of her two younger sisters and a brother.

Mr Hermsen said: 'Nijmegen was a front line city by then and during the funeral of her mother, grenades were exploding near the funeral procession, and there was little food available. Thanks to the many brave and courageous British forces who gave my grandmother food, she was able to survive and take care of her sisters and brother.

'She told me this story many times, and it was very impressive for me because without those British soldiers my own grandmother would have died and I would not have been alive today.

'Due to this, my interest in the second world war began to grow.'

After watching a documentary about people collecting items from the war, Mr Hermsen was inspired to collect something as a chance to 'honour one of the brave British soldiers and to preserve his memory and legacy'.

He soon found a large medal grouping belonging to a sailor named Philip George Wakeham for sale online and bought them.

Mr Hermsen said: 'Philip George Wakeham was born on February 25, 1903 in Tavistock, and by 1911 he lived in Plymouth with his parents. In 1918 he joined the Royal Navy when he was 15 years old. During his career he served, among others, on the HMS Valiant and HMS Apollo.

'Acting Petty Officer Wakeham also served during the second world war as an acting chief gunner.

'It is however not known at this time where he served or aboard which ships. He was awarded with the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his first world war military service and the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, the Atlantic Star and the War Medal for his service during the second world war. The Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal was also awarded to him.'

Mr Hermsen said he is now keen to find out more about Philip Wakeham's life and military service and hopes that his family is still alive.

Anyone who may be related to Philip George Wakeham or who knows any information about him can contact the Times, so the information can be forwarded on.