VETERAN Desert Rats have mounted a search for the family of a North-East hero who was mortally wounded in the fight from the Normandy beaches nearly 60 years ago.

The call to trace relatives of Sergeant John McConnachie comes as the Desert Rats prepare for another conflict - this time in Iraq.

Les Dinning, who was instrumental in setting up a memorial to the 7th Armoured Division at their former base in Theftford Forest, said he had traced a photograph of Sgt McConnachie in a Cromwell MkIV tank named Diana.

He said: "We would like to use the photograph of him and his tank on an interpretation board, one of many to be erected in the original camp site in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, but would like to seek the permission of any surviving relatives before doing so."

Sgt McConnachie is pictured sitting with his knees up on the turret as he and his crew were crossing the river Orne, in Normandy in 1944.

Mr Dinning said: "John died on July 16, 1944, but his tank, Diana, presumably commanded by another senior non-commissioned officer, was knocked out on July 25 1944.

"It is not known how John died, but we suffered many tank commander casualties from snipers or artillery air bursts, since the tank commanders often went into battle with their heads out of the turret. John, presumably, died from wounds, as he is buried in a war grave with others in Consett (Benfieldside) cemetery Sec. A grave 87."

Mr Dinning said: "John was clearly a very brave man since he was awarded the Military Medal, and these medals were not thrown around lightly.

"My tank was Little Audrey and I served in the same squadron as John and would not have been far away when the photograph was taken and when he was mortally wounded."

John was the son of John and Jane McConnachie, who are thought to have lived in the Consett area of County Durham in 1944.

Anyone who can help has been asked to call Mr Dinning on (01908) 662784.