ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered the remains of a Second World War Royal Air Force crew in northern Italy – 66 years after their aircraft was shot down.

The crew included Flight Sergeant David Millard Perkins, from Sydenham, who was the navigator.

He is believed to have been on board the Douglas Boston BZ590 which went missing on April 21 1945 after a mission over Taglio di Po.

The 20-year-old’s ring with the inscription ‘Chris with Love’ was also found at the site.

Members of the crew belonged to the RAF Volunteer Reserve 18 Squadron, who delivered a spare artificial leg to Wing Commander Douglas Bader in France in 1941.

They were declared officially dead in 1949.

David was the son of Leonard and Annie Millard Perkins, of Border Road, Sydenham.

It is believed he had two sisters, Helen and Mary, and a brother Gordon.

The group which found the remains, Archeologi dell'aria, is looking for the crew's relatives to invite them to the official burial ceremony.

They would also like to return the personal items of the crew.

Are you related to Mr Perkins? Call the newsroom on 01689 885 734.