The search is on in Rochford for relatives of a man who left the regular army - but went on to become an SAS hero in daring missions.

Television producer Mark Handscomb is searching for people who knew Douglas Berneville-Claye, who took part in dangerous missions behind enemy lines and became a prisoner of war in 1942.

He is most keen to trace the daughter of Berneville-Claye who is thought to be resident in the Rochford area, and could be known as E Metcalfe.

The information on the hero will go towards a forthcoming Channel 4 documentary about British prisoners of war in Germany.

Mr Handscomb said: "There must be someone who grew up with him or served with him and he must have been the kind of bloke you wouldn't forget easily.

"He apparently used the nickname of Lord Charlesworth and I get the impression he was this rather eccentric, larger-than-life chap."

He added: "Today people tend to think of the SAS as being made up of heroes, but in 1941 it was this rather maverick private army full of people usually fleeing something - it was full of renegades."

Berneville-Claye, born in 1917, is believed to have left the regular army - but went on to join the then fledging SAS.

He subsequently became a prisoner of war, first in Italy and then in Germany and later moved to Berlin after Christmas 1945.

Berneville-Clay had a relationship with a Rochford woman in 1936 or 1940, and a child was born as a result in 1937 or 1941.

Mr Handscomb said: "His daughter would now be in her 50s or early 60s.

"I know the relationship was carried on in Essex, in and around Rochford and Southend."

Anyone with any information should write to Mr Handscomb at: Hands on Films, 5, Blackburn Road, Ribchester PR3 3YP or telephone 01254 878 999

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