MEG PARKES is researching the history of Second World War prisoners-of-war in the Far East.

She is interested in information about Lance Corporal John Vincent McDonald, from the Royal Corps of Signals. He was from Darlington.

L Cpl and his wife Constance lived in Ravensdale Road, Darlington. He pre-war occupation was listed as a sub-editor.

He was taken prisoner by the Japanese in Java in March 1942. He died in November at the age of 29 on board a ship transporting him to Japan.

Anyone with information can contact Mrs Parkes on mm.parkes@talktalk.net.