Council are planning to build a memorial in his memory

A council is trying to trace the relatives of a soldier killed in action because they believe they could be living in the borough.

Sapper Michael Lambert, from the Royal Engineers, was buried in St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, in Harrow Road, Kensal Green, following his death in August 1940.

The brave soldier died while attempting to disarm German bombs in a field between Crewe and Nantwich.

Cheshire East Council now wants to build a memorial in recognition of Sapper Lambert and five other men who died in the same blast to tie in with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Engineers next year.

It believes his family lived in Kensal Green at the time of his death so his relatives could still be in the area.

Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “As an authority we take the role of the military, both past and present, very seriously.

“These six men sacrificed their lives in order to protect the local population.

“The fact that their bravery wasn’t recognised at the time makes this new memorial all the more important.”

The brave men successfully defused three bombs which fell in the field near Alvaston Hall. But as they worked on the final bomb, it exploded, killing all six soldiers.

The council has accepted a motion put forward to build the memorial near to where they died.

Desmond Curtis, chairman of the Crewe branch of the Royal Engineers Association, said: “The work of many bomb disposal units from the Second World War has gone unnoticed so memorials such as this are very special.”

The other men who died were Sergeant Edward Greengrass, Sapper Harold Thompson, Sapper Albert Edward Fearon, Sapper George Lucas and Sapper John Percival.

An unveiling ceremony is now being planned for next year.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Sapper Lambert’s family are urged to call the council on 01270 686012 or email tara.brady@archant.co.uk.