A FORMER member of the Royal Hussars is trying to trace the relatives and descendants of a Jewish man who died during the Second World War.

Warwickshire-based David John Eason is writing a roll of honour of the 11th Hussars from 1939-1945.

He said: "It is a memorial to the 161 members and attached personnel of the regiment who sadly never came home."

The Hussars were a cavalry regiment of the British Army.

Mr Eason is attempting to trace Liverpool-born Trooper Gerald Berger, who was in the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own) Royal Armoured Corps.

He was born on May 4, 1924, and died on August 7, 1944, at the age of 20. Mr Eason said Gerald was the son of Ely and Celia Berger (nee Friedman), of Liverpool, and that he is buried at the Bayeux war cemetery in France.

He continued: "I would like to hear from anybody who knew Gerald and his family, as well as anyone who can help me identify any commemoration to Gerald."

Gerald lived with his parents at 9 Newstead Road, attending Morrison County Primary School and the Liverpool Institute until 1940.

It was during the intitial tentative steps after D-Day that Gerald died.

Mr Eason explained: "On August, 7, 1944, No 5 Troop, C Squadron, were investigating the main roads leading out of Aunay in France.

"During the evening, they ran into forward enemy defensive positions in thick woods and a single shot from a 75mm gun rang out, destroying the first armoured car.

"Two crewman were killed - the driver, Trooper Johnson and the operator/gunner, Trooper Berger."

Anybody with any details on Gerald, should write to Mr David John Eason, The Mews Cottage (Rear Of), 1 Acacia Road, Royal Leamington Spar, Warwickshire, CV 32 6EF or email husrollho@yahoo.co.uk

Searching for Preston's Jewish community

HISTORIAN John Cowell is still looking for members - both new and old - of the Preston Jewish community to produce a narrative on their history.

John began the project a couple of years ago, after spotting a Menorah on one of the buildings in Preston.

He said: "So far I have put together lots of little bits, like assembling a jigsaw.

"When I started the project, I had absolutely no idea about how big it would be.

"After the Jewish Telegraph last did a story on my project, I had quite a response and got a lot of information.

"The Jews in Preston were held in high regard. Many were doctors and had very good reputations."

If you have any information regarding the history of the Preston Jewish community, contact John 01257 460 208 or email jcowellnix@yahoo.com