A MAN is trying to track down the family of a First World War hero from Marchwiel whose gold watch he owns.

Malcolm Tudor, who was born in Coepoeth, says his family has been in possession of the Waltham Hunter watch for many years.

But he has now decided to try to find out more about the man whose details are incribed inside the cover.

It says: “Corporal B Phillips, from Marchwiel Parish for war service 1914-19”.

Mr Tudor, 79, who lives in Coalville, Leicestershire, said: “My grandfather kept the Crown Inn pub in Coedpoeth, which was where my father, Oswell Tudor, was born.

“Just after the First World War my father saw the watch in a local pawn shop and bought it.

“He later passed it on to his brother, Wilfred, but when he died in 1937 my father took it back.

“When he died in 1971 it was passed on to me.

“I would now like to try to find out more about Corporal Phillips whose inscription is on the inside.

“I imagine he might have been presented with it by members of the parish because of some special act of bravery during the war.

“I wouldn’t have thought many soldiers were presented with watches like this.”
Mr Tudor was raised at the Crown Inn pub in Coedpoeth.

The family later moved to the Midlands.

He worked first as a miner and then went into the cement industry.

If anyone has information about Corporal B. Phillips, Mr Tudor would like to hear from them. He can be contacted by calling 01530 835950.