A Sunderland man died in a World War II plane crash - just 8 years after he starred in a rugby game against the All Blacks.

Mr Spence was 34 when he died. He ‘was probably Sunderland Rugby Football Club’s most successful player between the wars and played in the back row,’ Keith said.

“He represented the county on over 20 occasions and was part of a joint Northumberland/Durham side which played against the All Blacks. He was also the only Sunderland player in the Durham County side which celebrated the county’s Diamond Jubilee in 1936.”

But behind the tragedy lies a story of a Wearside family and a man who was keen to serve his country.

“His father was a bank clerk and the family lived in Tunstall Terrace and Brookside Terrace. He married in 1939 and then moved to Gosforth,” said Keith.

“Having joined the RAF, he became a sergeant observer. In March 1943, his stricken Lancaster bomber crashed short of Langar airfield near Melton Mowbray. The plane had been on a mine-laying mission and was unable to land at its home airfield, Grimsby, because of bad weather.

“Only one member of the crew survived. Alan was buried at Seahouses and there is a plaque near the crash site recalling the bravery of the crew.”

Our thanks go to Keith for his series of pieces which highlight the bravery and dedication of Sunderland heroes.

Others in the series have included;

Joseph Robert Kayll whose Forces achievements were nothing short of remarkable.

Harold Ashton Milburn who had not even reached his 20th birthday when he killed in 1942.

And Captain John Browning Deas who was only 25 years old when he was killed in action in May 1940.