THOUGHTS are firmly fixed on the Second World War this summer, with both the 65th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

So I was interested to receive the following e-mail from Marc Stewart, with a request for help in his research. I pass it to readers, with confidence that you'll come up with answers for him.

Marc wrote: "I'm an old boy of Borden Grammar School and I'm conducting some research into the lives of those Old Bordenians who lost their lives during the two world wars.

"So far, I've uncovered information about 13 old boys who were killed in the First World War. Of these, Borden Grammar School was aware of only five, so that's eight men whose details were previously unknown to the school.

"I''m also researching the lives of the 43 old boys who were killed in the Second World War, and my eventual aim is to publish a short book on the subject, which will serve as a further memorial to these gallant men."

Marc says he would like to get in touch with the friends or relatives of these men, adding: "I'm sure many of them will still live in the area."

I shall pass on any information you supply. Write to me at 4 Ambley Green, Gillingham Business Park, ME8 0NJ or e-mail the address on this page.