A DUTCH woman is trying to find the family of a World War II soldier whose grave she has adopted in a Netherlands' cemetery.

Anita van Leeuwen, from Swolgen, Limburg, is hoping to find the family of Lance Serjeant Ernest Walter Smith who was born in Worcester.

She takes care of his grave in the Venray War Cemetery in the Netherlands and hope to find his family to learn more about him and put a face to the name.

"I hope to get in touch with possible relatives to get more information about Ernest and eventually receive a photo so that we can put a face to this hero."

Through her research, she has discovered LSjt Smith was born in Worcester on April 1922 and was the son of James and Helen Smith, nee Clarke.

LSjt Clarke served in the 5th Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and died November 23, 1944 at the age of 22.

Miss van Leeuwen adopted Mr Smith's grave because she admired the old cemetery and a family connection to the the army.

"I used to live in Venray. My father was a mechanic at the army MOB complex in Deurne.

"He repaired and maintained the army's tanks and jeeps.

Worcester News:

"Every year we were allowed to go to the barracks as a family and I was also allowed to take a ride in a tank. It was very special.

"At home I had my own pony and I had to go to the riding school in Venray every week. I always passed the cemetery.

"I regularly tied the pony to walk over it and looked at the names and ages. So young they all died.

"And still, it always looked very peaceful and well maintained.

"My father died early of cardiac arrest. He was only allowed to live to be 49 years old - the same age as I am now.

"He was cremated at the time and I feel like I really missed visiting a grave. Never had a place to go.

"When the call came to adopt a grave I didn't think twice and immediately adopted two of them.

"I’m glad to do something in return as a big thank you for our freedom.

"And of course researching for information is very nice to do but sometimes difficult to obtain it.

"I hope to get in touch with the family and hope to receive a picture to get a face with this hero."

LSjt Smith had three bothers and three sisters Mary Emelia (1903), Edward James (1905), Rosanna (1907), James (1911), Charles Henry (1914) and Helen (1916-2007).

Hellen was married to Norman Richmond (1915-1986) and they had four children.

Son John Richmond passed away in 2004 and lived with Jennifer M Bannister.

Do you have any information about Lance Serjeant Ernest Walter Smith? Email catherine.phillips@newsquest.co.uk.