WW2 letter found in old tin donated to museum

A World War Two era letter discovered in a tin of lozenges has been donated to a West Sussex museum.

Littlehampton Museum said it was honoured to receive the historic item, which it called a "tangible reminder" of the town's wartime history and spirit of its people.

The "heartfelt" letter, dated May 1940, was found in a forgotten air raid shelter in Littlehampton High Street during demolition work behind Acres the Bakers in 1971, the museum added.

"The museum will ensure it is carefully preserved so that future generations can connect with this powerful piece of local and national history," Freddie Tandy, chair of Littlehampton Town Council's community resources committee said.

"We are very grateful that the donor has treasured this letter and kept it safe for over 54 years," he added.

Researchers at the museum identified the letter's authors as Henry R. Holmes and Leslie W. Voke, neighbours and local businessmen.

Mr Holmes, listed in the 1939 census as a master hairdresser, lived at 45 High Street with his wife Florence and son Thomas, the researchers said.

Mr Voke, a men's outfitter dealer, lived at 43 High Street – then the site of Acres the Bakers – with his wife Gladys.

The letter, titled "to he who opened the box", details that the two men and their families built the air raid shelter.

"We wonder under what conditions you will read this," it states. "One thing we are certain of is Britain never will be slaves."

The letter will be on display at the museum, which is free to enter, from 8 May to the end of June.

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