A MILITARY historian is hoping for help in tracing the relatives of a Rosyth serviceman.

The appeal is part of a project to locate more than 100 Second World War UK servicemen who were once welcomed by a New York Navy family.

Many of these men were on convoy duties crossing the Atlantic and were befriended by Fraser and Eleanor Casey, who invited the men into their home to relax and recharge after their gruelling exploits.

One of them, Harry Sladen, lived in Backmarch Road and notes from Mrs Casey said he was on his way home after two-and-a-half years in Trinidad.

Next to a photo in her album which gave details of all their visitors, she has written that Riggers Mate Harry had two sons, was a shipyard worker when in civvy street, was "grand with children" and "lots of fun".

Historian Gloria Winfield is keen to find out more about Harry as well as other servicemen from around Scotland who stayed with the Casey family.

"I am looking for either the person themselves or their family," she explained. "Eleanor Casey wrote to families, sent food and clothing parcels to those with young children.

"Her daughter, Patsy, 83, is still alive and remembers these men coming to their home.

"This is a volunteer and unfunded project. Our intention is to try and trace the remaining men from all over the UK. So far, we have located 78. If I could trace all the Scottish men it would be superb."

Anyone with any details about Harry is asked to email Gloria at historiangmw@hotmail.com.