A SEARCH is under way for relatives of Great Yarmouth seamen who were killed in an enemy attack on the Thames during the second world war. Six crew members of East Oaze died while working on a Trinity House light vessel in the Thames Estuary on November 1, 1940.

A SEARCH is under way for relatives of Great Yarmouth seamen who were killed in an enemy attack on the Thames during the second world war.

Six crew members of East Oaze died while working on a Trinity House light vessel in the Thames Estuary on November 1, 1940. Three were from the Yarmouth area.

Now Trinity House hopes to find relatives of the men as it is likely the light vessel will be relocated to ensure it is not further disturbed when development work on the main shipping routes around the Thames Estuary begins.

Vikki Gilson, from Trinity House, said: “By tracing relatives we simply aim

to share information

with them about the relocation and take

steps towards involving them in any memorial services that may be held, should they wish to be involved.”

The crewmen who died from Yarmouth were:

William Robert Ernest Bowles, 24, seaman, son of skipper William Charles Bowles and Laura Adeline Bowles, of Yarmouth. Husband of Edith Ada Bowles of Yarmouth.

Reginald William Crowe, 34, seaman, son of Henry Charles and Selina Crowe. Husband of Anna Kathleen Crowe, of Caister.

Benjamin Pierce Wright, 39, master, son of William and Anne Evelyn Wright. Husband of Hilda Florence Wright, of Yarmouth.

If you believe you are related to any of the casualties write to Vikki Gilson, Trinity House, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4DH or email vikki.gilson@

thls.org. Please mark the envelope or e-mail East Oaze Lightvessell.

Please also inform the Mercury by writing to Laura Bagshaw, The Mercury, 169 King Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 2PA or

e-mail laura.bagshaw

@archant.co.uk