THE discovery of the unknown grave of a First World War pilot shot down over Belgium almost 100 years ago has released feelings of unbridled joy to a Petersfield family.

The location of the grave of Second Lieutenant Philip Cormack of the 204th Squadron RAF, who was killed in 1918, was found thanks to research by Petersfield museum's education and outreach officer who is curating a First World War exhibition.

Amanda Harwood was helped by Katherine West, the musuem's curatorial assistant who assisted in setting up the exhibition.

The shock revelation came after Paul Cormack, the pilot's nephew, responded to an appeal for artefacts for this year's special museum displays. Among them are some of the pilot's possessions, including a joystick from a training aircraft, a memorial plaque, his log book, and a hat.

The mystery has brought to an end a search which has lasted an incredible 97 years, as his family has tried in vain to find the flyer's grave for decades.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.