A SEARCH is on to find the family of a hero Gourock marine killed 60 years ago in the line of duty in Cyprus - and unite them with one of the highest military honours in his name.

Thomas Armour served with the Royal Marines in the country during the four-year conflict which ended in 1959.

But the 23-year-old later died tragically in a road accident in March 1956 and was laid to rest in Wayne’s Keep, the British military cemetery in Cyprus.

Now a fellow serviceman, Les Smith, is desperate to find his family so they can receive the Elizabeth Cross in his honour.

Marine Thomas was one of hundreds of British servicemen killed during the 'Cyprus Emergency', which ended with the establishment of an independent state.

Volunteer Les, 81, from St Helens in Lancashire, said: "I want to find the families of all those who died in Cyprus so they receive the Elizabeth Cross, awarded to all those who served.

"I am looking for the family of Marine Thomas Armour who was killed in a road accident.

"My aim is reunite all their families with the Elizabeth Cross.

"Marine Thomas Armour's family should receive one for his service."

Thomas is remembered along with fallen colleagues at a special memorial which is held in Cyprus, with the next one due to take place in August this year.

The young Gourock man was one of 372 British servicemen who died while on active service during the conflict, which lasted from April 1 1955 to April 18 1959.

He served with HQ 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines and was laid to rest in the British military cemetery in Cyprus, Plot 19, Row A, Grave 8.

It is understood his family home may have been in Larkfield Road, Gourock.

Les added: "I would love to hear from family who may still remember him.

"It would mean a lot if his name was in a memorial somewhere in his home town."

There are two memorials to the fallen from the Cyprus Emergency, one in Kyrenia, Cyprus, and the other in The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Cyprus Emergency was a conflict started by a guerilla organisation and it ended British rule in Cyprus, with an agreement signed in 1960.

For the last five years campaigner Les has devoted his life to finding all the Cyprus veterans and the families of the fallen servicemen, so they can be awarded the Elizabeth Cross.

So far he has traced 200 families and 400 servicemen as well and has vowed to continue with his work.

Les added: "It is something that means a lot to me.

"I was sent there on National Service and in my later years it has become important to me.

"I attend the memorial services in Cyprus."

*Anyone who may know Marine Thomas Armour's family can contact Susan Lochrie on slochrie@greenocktelegraph.co.uk or call 01475 558904.