They had lived near Frinton-on-Sea and Wing Cdr Gatward died in 1998, aged 84.

BBC: Daring World War II pilot Ken Gatward's medals auctioned

In August 1928, during the original rescue operation for Amundsen and the French crew, the left wing pontoon of the Latham 47 flying boat was recovered from the sea.

BBC: Hunt on for explorer's lost plane