A DUTCH woman has been in contact with the family of a fallen soldier whose grave she tends thanks to an appeal in the Worcester News.
Anita van Leeuwen was searching for 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 wanted to find out more about the World War II soldier.
Ernest's niece Norma Jeff read the story in the Worcester News and the family have since been in contact sharing stories and pictures.
Mrs Jeff, age 75 and from Spetchley Road, said: "It was lovely to see because my mum spoke about him an awful lot.
"He was her youngest brother and my mum and her sister used to talk about him so we knew all about him.
"It's absolutely lovely to think someone is looking after his grave.
"My daughter's been on the computer and sent Anita a few messages and she managed to get a photograph sent to her.
"Ernest was only 22 when he died and my mum had another brother who was in the war who came home injured and then died of his injuries."
Ernest is survived by three nieces and two nephews who all live in Worcester or Malvern.
Mrs Jeff said he joined the war aged 17 after lying about his age.
LSjt Clarke served in the 5th Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and died November 23, 1944 aged just 22.
Miss van Leeuwen, from Swolgen, Limburg, said the family were so happy and grateful that she had adopted the grave.
As well as Mrs Jeff, she had been contacted by the daughter-in-law of Ernest's nephew Norman.
"Norman remembers his uncle Ernest very well and he and his wife once went to Venray to visit his grave, so did Louise and her husband Richard, Norman’s son.
"They too were so happy and grateful that I had adopted the grave
"I received the photograph which was awesome. Now I have a face with the hero.
"I’m so honoured to have the opportunity to take care of the grave.
"I visit the grave regularly to place flowers.
"I am very happy to have been able to make contact with the family and I hope so much to stay in touch.
"I think it’s a very special connection."
READ MORE: Search for family of WWII soldier whose grave has been adopted by Dutch woman
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here