It seems Ted has lain for more than 50 years in a place unknown to his family only to be unspeakably violated

Elizabeth Bowden, George Kosh's sister

It is alleged the thieves, who were searching for wartime memorabilia, moved parts of FO Kosh's body, but then left them at the scene in Winchelsea, East Sussex.

On Tuesday, Ministry of Defence officials and an aircraft recovery team from RAF St Athan in Wales were visiting the scene, which is classed as a protected war grave.

They are attempting to discover if anything was taken from the grave, and if so, what.

They were also hoping to recover the remains of FO Kosh, which have also allegedly been tampered with.

One man has already been charged with illegally tampering with military remains while others have been questioned.

'Proper burial'

It is expected there will be another funeral for FO Kosh, once the excavation of the crash scene is complete.

An MoD spokesman said: "The excavation is being carried out to find out exactly what has been taken and to recover what ever human remains are left so that Mr Kosh can be given a final and proper burial.

"Many of these wartime wrecks have become buried and we would hope people treat these finds with the respect they are due.

"Memorabilia from the war is still sought after. There is a big market for it but unfortunately not all of it is obtained through reputable means."

Plundered memorabilia

The MoD is investigating claims that in 1996, thieves tracked down FO Kosh's crashed plane and plundered remains believed to include the aircraft's engine and cannon.

Parts of its propeller and instrument panel were also taken, as well as some of the pilot's personal possessions, such as a bracelet and coins.

FO Kosh's family spoke of their anguish at the allegations.

Mr Kosh's sister Elizabeth told a national newspaper: "It seems Ted has lain for more than 50 years in a place unknown to his family only to be unspeakably violated.

"Once again, we are suffering from the emotional stress of what happened."