A letter from a British soldier killed in the retreat to Dunkirk has made it to his family, 80 years late.
Private Harry Cole, then 30, wrote to his mum Rosa on May 26, 1940, predicting German troops would soon be “on the run” and “back in Germany double quick”.
He added poignantly: “Please don’t worry about me, I shall get through it.”
Harry, serving with the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment was shot by a sniper three days later.
His letter was lost as British troops were evacuated from Dunkirk in the face of the rapid German advance.
But it has now finally been sent to his old family home in Hasketon, Suffolk.
It had been kept in an attic by a German officer who found the letter, along with others, and kept them in his attic until 1968 when he was having a clearout.
The letters were sent to Suffolk county council and archived until an incredible twist of fate.
Council archivist, Heidi Hughes, noticed Pte Cole’s letter was addressed to a house in her home village.
She realised she knew fellow villager Clemmie Cole, now 87, who confirmed Harry, one of seven sons, was his brother.
The retired prison carpenter said: “It was such a shock to receive Harry’s letter. I was moved to read his words.
“My mother said she suddenly saw his face at her bedroom window. She always thought it was his spirit visiting the house on the day he was killed.”
