COALSNAUGHTON is linking up with a Dutch town this week to remember a Wee County airman who helped liberate the allied nation in World War Two.

In what is an amazing detective story spanning years, the town of Brielle near Rotterdam is finally able to put a face to the only Commonwealth grave in its cemetery.

The gravestone of Clacks flight engineer Sergeant David Dickson, who was killed when his Lancaster bomber went down on May 22 in 1944, stands in Brielle's cemetery.

For many years the Dutch townsfolk regarded the RAF casualty as their own soldier, but resident Rinus Boshuisen always wanted to know more.

Mr Boshuisen was an airman during the war as well, serving in the Dutch Air Force and was also in engineering.

Enter Coalsnaughton's Ian Dickson, the local war hero's cousin, who visited the cemetery in 2015 and left behind a small cross at the grave.

Upon making the discovery, Mr Boshuisen was so intrigued he contacted his local paper to investigate further – but to no avail.

Fastforward to last June, Mr Dickson visited again, this time leaving behind his card in a plastic pocket behind the urn after spotting some flowers and thinking someone must have an interest.

Mr Boshuisen discovered it in the following months and immediately made contact.

After some old pictures were shared by the airman's niece Rosemary Champion, from Angus, Dutch folk were delighted their soldier has a face, finally after some 75 years.

The local paper there was then able to share all the details about Sgt David Dickson, who features on the war memorial in his home village of Coalsnaughton.

And indeed, the Netherlands War Graves Commission has also added a photo to its database.

The mayor of the town, Burgemeester Gregor Rensen also arranged to welcome Mr Dickson and his wife Louise for the Netherlands Remembrance Day and the National Liberation Day this week.

Unfortunately, the trip had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

However, the two towns will both remember the Wee County airman, with VE Day marked locally this Friday, May 8.

Sgt Dickson, whose father was a shunter for the railway at Tillicoultry, was one of seven crew on a Lancaster bomber based at RAF Kirmington.

The plane took off late in the evening to bomb Duisburg in the Ruhr.

Unfortunately as they returned, they were spotted by German fighter pilot.

Mr Dickson told the Advertiser: "We in Scotland are delighted that the sacrifice of our Coalsnaughton relation is so greatly honoured by the community of Brielle.

"They, on their part, are delighted that now they know what David Dickson's face and more about his upbringing and family.

"We are, of course, very disappointed not to share this week's Liberation Day with them, but my wife Louise and I intend to make a visit to them our first overseas travel once circumstances allow."