A SEARCH has been launched to trace the family of a fallen war hero from West Lulworth.

Historian Trevor Green purchased a First World War Medal of Sacrifice from an online auction in February.

After some research the history teacher from Lancashire discovered the medal was given in memory of Ernest William James who was born in Lulworth in May 1898.

According to Mr Green, Ernest enlisted with the Dorsetshire Regiment and served in France where he was killed in action at the Battle of Ancre, near Arras, in France 99 years ago on April 6, 1918. He was just 19-years-old.

He is buried with other Dorset men in Bienvilliers Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, near Arras.

However he was also commemorated on the West Lulworth War Memorial in West Road along with eleven others.

A Sacrifice Medal would have been given to his next of kin, most likely his mother Mary James (nee Ellery), following his death.

Speaking to the Echo Mr Green said: "Given that it is 99 years since his death this year I thought it would be nice if I could find a living relative of Ernest so that I could give the medal to them.

"I have researched the short life of this soldier and would very much like to share it with his family who may have more information about him or indeed, may have little or no knowledge of his military life.

"His address at the time of his death was 5 West Lulworth, Wareham and I'm pretty sure that was the family home where he lived with his mother John and Mary.

"There was also an older sister, Louisa Jane, who was living in the family home in 1901."

Mr Green has also discovered that from 1901 to 1911 the family were living in Wool and Ernest's Uncle Thomas was living two doors away.

"I'm hoping there is a relative out there who would want to have this medal back with the family," added Mr Green, 68.

The Medal of Sacrifice was given to all the next of kin of soldiers who fought and died during World War One in recognition of loss.