Bid to reunite family with letter to RAF darling found 80 years on

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9e8mdz8d3o

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The surname of the mysterious aircraft man who the letter was sent to was Just, Mr Hacking believes

A letter written in 1945 by a woman addressed to her "darling" in the RAF has been found in a military uniform bought in a charity shop.

Andy Hacking, 61, said he bought the RAF uniform about five years ago in a shop in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, and discovered the letter in a pocket with a post mark dated 17 December 1945.

The letter was penned by a woman called Jean from Herschell Street, Preston, who expressed her joy her "sweetheart" stationed in Wiltshire was coming home for Christmas adding she had "counted the days".

Mr Hacking, from Accrington, Lancashire, who has an interest in World War Two militaria and re-enactment, said he would love to reunite Jean's family with the letter.

Jean talks about counting the days until Christmas when her sweetheart was coming home

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "When I saw the uniform I thought what a shame it is just left in a charity shop so I bought it with the intention of wearing it to one of the events."

"But in those days people were a lot smaller so it was a 30in [waist] and I am 6ft and 32in waist so it just wouldn't fit.

He said he kept hold of it, though, but it was only when he showed the uniform to a friend he discovered the letter and an RAF diary.

Andy Hacking bought the RAF uniform with the intention of wearing it but it was too small

Mr Hacking said the letter, which was signed off "so long sweetheart", was personal and he would love to reunite it with Jean's family.

It was addressed to No 1 Wing B Squadron, 12 at RAF Station in Berryfields, Melksham, Wiltshire and Mr Hacking said it gave the mysterious airman's serial number AC/2 which stands for aircraft class 2) and his surname followed by his initial which was Just C.

Jean mentions Les in the letter who she said gave her the address for her sweetheart, as well as Joan who was knitting her mittens for her Christmas present.

Anyone with information about the letter should email graham.liver@bbc.co.uk.

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