WHEN David Brown started researching his family history, all he knew was his uncle Albert had died in the Second World War.

But what unfolded was a shocking story of a massacre, which Mr Brown said would live with him and his brother Tom forever.

Mr Brown, 68, said: “It is a really sad story. I was absolutely shocked when I found out about it.”

Their uncle, Private Albert Parsons, was born in January 1911 in Fawler, near Stonesfield.

He grew up around the area with four siblings.

Not much else is known about his early life, but the brothers discovered he served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment during the Second World War.

Mr Brown, from Cutteslowe, said: “We knew he had died during the war. But our mum Margaret died two years ago.

“And though I’m sure she talked about her brother, sadly it was never to us. We were of the generation who were always out and about, we never thought to sit inside and ask our parents about their own families.”

The brothers tracked down Pte Parsons’s grave to Wormhout in Northern France. He had died on May 28 in 1940, aged 29.

Researching the dates, they discovered he had been part of the rearguard action defending troops who were being prepared to be evacuated from Dunkirk in May 1940.

Pte Parsons had worked alongside others to delay the advancing German forces while Allied troops escaped from the beaches of Northern France.

On May 28, Allied soldiers, including members of the Warwickshire Regiment, surrendered to the German troops.

They were taken to a barn in La Plaine au Bois. When there were 100 men inside, members of the SS threw grenades into the building.

Two groups of survivors were then taken outside and shot in the back. In total, 80 men were killed.

Mr Brown’s brother and nephew Andrew visited Pte Parson’s grave near the French town earlier this year.

They also visited the barn, which is now a memorial.

Mr Brown said: “We couldn’t believe it when we heard that. I don’t think my mum ever knew the gory details so, in a way, it is good that she isn’t alive to hear about this.

“We’ve found out some incredible things.”

Pte Parson’s name can be found on the war memorial in Woodstock.

Has your family history research revealed any hidden stories? Call Rhianne Pope on 01865 425411