(Cornwall and WW2) A Remarkable Archive of WWII Letters (194...

Estimate

£80 - £120

(Cornwall and WW2) A Remarkable Archive of WWII Letters (1942–1946) Melville Truran, No. 35 (Army Co-operation) Wing RAF This extensive collection of handwritten letters, spanning 1942 to 1946, was authored by Melville Truran, a soldier in the No. 35 (Army Co-operation) Wing of the Royal Air Force during World War II. Addressed primarily to his mother and sisters at Fair View Farm, Chacewater, these letters provide a vivid and deeply personal perspective on the life of a young RAF reconnaissance soldier. Truran's correspondence chronicles his experiences, including training, day-to-day routines, and interactions with fellow servicemen. While not directly involved in the D-Day landings, his letters recount the advance into enemy territory, observations on weather and conditions, and the Second Front’s progression. They trace movements from France, across the Rhine, and into Germany, offering insights into the contrasts between the British and Russian occupation zones.Though security constraints and the familial nature of the letters lend a degree of vagueness, Truran’s adventurous spirit as a 19-to-22-year-old shines through, revealing a life filled with resilience, discovery, and reflection. Between the lines, one can discern the excitement and challenges of his wartime journey, juxtaposed with charming details of farming life in wartime Cornwall. Written in manuscript form, the letters vary in condition but remain largely legible. This archive is a rich resource for historians and collectors, offering an unfiltered window into wartime experiences. Requiring further study and conservation, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore the untold stories of No. 35 Wing RAF during World War II.