Reader donates ‘almost identical’ war crucifix to Haywards Heath astronaut

It is a lucky charm he intended to carry with him on a Virgin Galactic trip to space.

To David’s delight, after reading the Middy, Barbara Taylor offered him an ‘almost identical’ crucifix left to her by her father-in-law 19 years ago.

David said: “Her husband Robert had spotted the article and was struck by the similarity between his late father’s crucifix, and my Grandfathers.

“Although Sydney Taylor fought in WW2 rather than WW1, some components of the crucifix are identical.”

David, who is training as an astronaut, accepted Barbara’s offer, and plans to take Sydney’s crucifix to space.

“I am very touched by Robert and Barbara’s generosity and have ‘adopted’ Sydney’s crucifix,” David said.

“While I will keep looking for Grandfathers crucifix, and the £100 reward is still there, it is most likely that Sydney’s will be the one with me on the space flight.”

The adopted cross is the same shape but has different colours.

Barbara said: “I am assuming they were handed out to the soldiers during the war rather than being hand made.”