READERS may be able to help an Aylesbury man researching the history of a RAF Lancaster bomber crew who died almost exactly 56 years ago on a raid over Germany.

Gordon Smith is trying to identify the brave members of the 106 Squadron crew pictured in this old photograph, one of them being a Redditch man.

His interest in the crew is personal as his own cousin, P/O John Smith, is seen second from left in the picture.

But anyone who recognises Redditch man Cyril Bayliss from the photograph is asked to get in touch with Mr Smith so he can complete his research.

The only clue Mr Smith has of navigator F/Sgt 1580230 Cyril E Bayliss is that he was the son of Harold and Ellen Bayliss.

Mr Smith said: "Although I know the names of all the crew I don't know which one is which.

"The crew left at 14.05 on November 1, 1944, and flew a bombing raid to a synthetic oil refinery in Hamburg.

"Of the 20 Lancasters from 106 squadron, only one failed to return and it was reported missing.

"It was seen to fall out of formation on the return journey over Holland and crashed in a minefield between the retreating German forces and approaching Canadian forces."

Although Mr Smith has identified three of the crew in the picture, putting names to the other faces is proving more difficult.

Mr Smith added: "I was hoping a friend or member of Cyril Bayliss' family could help me with my research.

"I would gladly exchange photos or information with anyone wishing to help."

Anyone with details can call Mr Smith on 01296 436200.