A woman has uncovered a suitcase full of First World War love letters between two sweethearts, which had sat in her loft for over 40 years.

Pat Cane moved into her home in the Greenway in 1971 where previous owner, 70-year old Alec Scott, had lived with his wife and daughter before their sudden deaths.

A nurse at Epsom General during the early 70’s, Mrs Cane had known of the Scotts.

“They were patients but I didn’t know them.

After Mrs. Scott died her daughter was admitted very soon after with pneumonia.”

The bereaved Mr Scott sold his home to the Cane’s for £6,000 leaving all his possessions, including the letters, and moved to Brighton.

“He just walked out and left everything, even his clothes.

People used to come in with letters from the solicitors and take what they wanted.

Not one of them was a relation.

One man didn’t know him at all.

He just knew of him and had done some work for him once.

Stupidly we got rid of a lot and burnt it which I now obviously regret.”

40 years later Mrs Cane came across an old suitcase while having her boiler fixed.

“As we took it down the whole case disintegrated and all these letters fell out.

I thought I can’t destroy these, this is history.”

Written during the First World War, the letters follow the relationship between Alec, who is believed to have served with the Royal Military Foot Police in Winchester, and his wife in touching detail.

One letter dated November 11, 1918, the day the war ended reads: “My own darling wife, What a glorious day this has been!

We shall soon be home together sweetheart and how I am looking forward to it.

I am first going on duty but don’t intend to do very much.

Winchester is mad as a March Hare!

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, darling girl.

Always, your loving husband, Alec.”

Another detailed Mr Scott’s request to take his future wife to a cinema in Wimbledon assuring her that she can bring a friend as a chaperone to please her mother.

“That just wouldn’t happen now.

“It’s a time gone past and etiquette was different.”

Mrs Cane is hoping a family member will come forward to claim the letters.

“I’m hoping that someone who knew him or a relative will come forward and want them.

I’d like someone that’s genuinely interested in them to have them.”

If you have any information please call 02087226346 or e-mail lmay@london.newsquest.co.uk

Further Extracts

Rifle Depot, Winchester 11/11/19

My darling wife, I am on morning duty tomorrow, so will be over in the evening. What a glorious day this has been! We shall soon be home together sweetheart and how i am looking forward to it. I am going on duty, but don’t intend to do very much. Winchester is as mad as a March hare. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, darling girl.

Always, your loving husband Alec.

Military Foot Police, Rifle Depot, Winchester

18/7/18

My own darling, I find that I am on afternoon duty tomorrow, so will be over in the morning (at about 6.30) to see my girl. It seems an awful long time since I last saw you sweetheart. I had a letter from my Mother this morning. She is almost quite herself again now, talks of coming to the wedding after all.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow darling.

My love to your Mummie and Daddie.

Ever your own loving Alec.

Other extracts dated 1918 My own darling wife.

Just another few lines for my sweetheart. This is Sunday afternoon, the second Sunday without my darling. I have been thinking of you all day wondering if you have been to church. It doesn’t seem a bit like Sunday here – one day is exactly the same as another. The men are working well now – they have got a very definite respect for me. They brought in four charges last night which speaks for itself. I was standing last night at about 10 o clock looking over the hills towards Twyford, thinking of my precious girl. It was moonlight and I could see Twyford downs and St Catherine’s Hill plainly. You seemed so near darling, yet I could not be with you.

I wonder of I shall get a letter tomorrow morning. I hope so. I love those dear, quaint little letters. Do you realise that Christmas will be here in about another 10 days? I wonder if i shall be able to spend Christmas night with you. I hope so. I am still wondering if anything has happened. I am looking forward eagerly to you letter in the morning.

Always your own loving husband, Alec Our honeymoon was too short darling, but we will always be able to look back on that happy time we had together and when my next leave comes round we will have another honeymoon.

All my love to you

If you think you have a long lost treasure lurking in your loft, Bourne Hall museum would love to hear from you. Call 0208 394 1734