Charity shop worker gifts family with a piece of wartime history

DONATION TO EMMAUS HELPS DESCENDANTS KEEP AIRMAN'S MEMORY ALIVE

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A SECOND World War service Bible which belonged to an RAF officer who was killed in action has been reunited with his descendants after being found at Emmaus Dover homelessness charity.

The Bible, issued by The National Bible Society of Scotland and containing a printed message from King George VI, was discovered among donated goods by Jackie Pearson, a support worker at Emmaus Dover and a former member of the armed forces.

Mr Pearson was deeply moved, and felt it was important the Bible not be sold but instead returned to the family it once belonged to.

The reunion came just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, lending added emotional resonance to the occasion.

Determined to trace the Bible's history, Mr Pearson teamed up with local Dover historian Phil Eyden. Mr Eyden was able to identify the original owner as Flying Officer Norman S McEwen, unearthed a photograph of the airman.

His efforts ultimately led to the discovery of Flying Officer McEwen’s great-great-nephew, Ross McEwen, allowing the Bible to be returned to its rightful family home.

Flying Officer McEwen served with 190 Squadron, Bomber Command, as a tail gunner on a Short Stirling Mk. IV, tail number LJ939, based at RAF Fairford.