An appeal is being launched to honour the memory of a forgotten hero of the Second World War.

The Friends of New Forest Airfields are hoping to dedicate a public memorial to Captain Darrell R. Lindsey who won a posthumous Medal of Honour, the United States' highest award for bravery after flying from RAF Holmsley in the summer of 1944.

The US airman led a formation of B-26 Marauder aircraft on a mission from their base at Holmsley South Aerodrome on August 9 1944, staying at the controls of his burning bomber to complete the attack and to allow his crew to escape, sacrificing his own life.

This plaque will be the first memorial honouring an individual at any of the airfield sites and is due to dedicated on May 31, US Memorial Day.

Special guests from the US will hopefully be present for the ceremony, which will include the bugle call, Taps sounding at 3pm to bring the event to a close.

But in order to help fund a suitable plaque, the Friends are appealing for help from the local community.

John Levesley from the Friends said: "This is a very important appeal for us. We want a plaque that will do justice to the memory of Captain Lindsey, especially considering the significance of his actions.

"It is only right that his sacrifice is honoured correctly."

The cost is expected to be nearly £400 with additional funds being divided between the charity and the Help for Heroes appeal.

Donations should be made to the Friends of the New Forest Airfields and sent to the treasurer at Merryfield Park, Derritt Lane, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 8AU.