An Airman's Lost Letters

Since we started this blog in 2008, we feel we have got to know Oliver quite well, from the letters home we have shared here. One thing that frustrated us though was not having an image of Oliver. We really wanted to put a face to the young man. The Great War saw an explosion in photography, with every proud soldier and sailor having a studio photograph taken of themselves in uniform, and made into multiple postcards to send on to family and friends. And less common than the studio portraiture, not helped by strict censorship in force, were pocket cameras and amateur photographers. Oliver himself mentions his camera several times ... "Talking of photographs I am sorry you will have no studio ones of me because while I was at home and at Birmingham I had no clothes fit to wear and while at the C.F.S. had no opportunity but I do promise that I will have some done here when and as soon as it is possible for me. It should not be difficult. Keep all the letters from me that are int...

Apologies from your rather scatty bloggers on this long overdue update! In March this year we managed to reunite Olivers letters to the Pearson Family. Francis and his wife Hilary were such gracious hosts for the afternoon and couldn't have made us more welcome. I can't say how happy Dan and I were to finally hand over the letters back to the family, where they belong, and also that they were so pleased to have them back. It was a perfect end to this story for us. Hilary treated us to one of the best Sunday roasts I've had for a very long time, and afterward we got to see Oliver's effects that had been passed down to Francis from his father Aubrey. Oliver's wallet, a short diary, some family photos, a map of North Belgium, and his medals and 'Death Penny' Memorial Plaque. Your humble blog authors with Francis Pearson. Francis with Olivers letters, while I am holding an 1897 bottle of Madeira, from Francis's own collection, which he opened espec...