A Gulf War veteran is appealing for help in researching his fascinating family history.

Michael Humphreys, a sergeant in the RAF based at Lyneham in Wiltshire, has just returned from a tour of duty in Kosovo, and is making use of a brief spell at home to find out about the history of his Haworth family.

Michael's search is aimed primarily at discovering any information about his grandfather, who was killed in the early stages of the Second World War.

He says: "When my father was one year old his father died and his mother remarried. He never really knew too much about his dad."

Michael says it is only recently that he has shown any interest in researching his family tree, and next year he is planning to visit his grandfather's grave in Norway.

"My son Ellis is the last of my family's line, and I was never really bothered about it before but I'm now trying to find out more," says Michael.

Through his efforts Michael has been able to uncover more about his grandfather than his father ever knew.

Michael's grandfather Edward Humphreys, known locally as Ted, was a corporal in the 15th brigade fighting with the 1st Yorkshire and Lancashire Battalion.

He died aged 33 on April 28, 1940 in a catastrophic mission in Kvan in Norway, and is buried in Oslo.

Ted was called up to fight in the Second World War after already having served in India, and was living at Mill Hey in Haworth at the time.

On a recent trip to the historic village, Michael discovered his grandfather had two brothers and two sisters.

"I have no information about this part of the family but I'm very, very intrigued, as you would expect," says father of three Michael.

One of the brothers, George, was killed at the same time as Ted, but as far as Michael knows his other great uncle Robert and his two great aunts survived through the war.

Michael's research has unearthed a number of facts he hopes may jog someone's memory. After the death of his grandfather Michael's grandmother remarried around 1946 and took the name Mitchell.

Michael's great grandmother Mary lived at Sun Street in Haworth and his uncle George lived at 26 North Street and had a five year old daughter.

Michael has also discovered his Uncle Robert married a lady called Margaret.

The Keighley News, dated November 1940, carries a report of the two brothers' deaths and says Robert Humphreys was given dispensation to return to Haworth to lay a wreath on the war memorial for the deaths of his brothers Corporal Edward and Sapper George Humphreys.

Michael says: "If there are any surviving relatives I would like to hear from them, or if anybody has any information about the family I would like to hear about it."

People with any information about Michael's family in Haworth should call 01249 891915 or email Michael on michael.humphreys@lineone.net.