Lanark man discovers World War II documents hidden in antique desk
The photos, maps and letters belonging to Captain Ian Rodger were unearthed as the 80th anniversary of VE Day was commemorated.
A Lanark man has told how he discovered a forgotten folder of original World War II documents hidden in an antique desk – just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Martin Reid found the documents wedged behind a drawer of the desk, which he bought at auction four years ago, while moving room furniture - and discovered a treasure trove of letters, maps and photographs belonging to distinguished army veteran Ian Rodger OBE.
Captain Rodger, who died in 2007 aged 91, served with 2 Squadron of the 6th Armoured Division Signal Regiment and fought in Italy and Tunisia. His papers include a detailed route map of the regiment's advance in the Italian Campaign, an 80-year-old colour map of Tunisia produced by the British War Office, plus wartime correspondence and a military photograph showing him with a famous future MP.
Construction company director Martin has used the desk regularly since buying it for £110 from Glasgow auctioneer McTear's in March 2021, and said of his recent discovery of its hidden history: 'To say I was surprised was an understatement.'
He said: 'I had to move the desk to make way for a bed and took out the drawers to make it easier to lift – the bottom left drawer was stuck so I reached in behind it to see what the obstruction was and pulled out this green paper file folder which was wedged in at the back.
'Inside were lots of photographs, letters, maps and invitations all relating to the Second World War. They're fascinating and provide a really important insight into the British Army's involvement in the Italian Campaign against Adolf Hitler's Germany and the important role they played in defeating fascism and bringing the war to an end.
'Leafing through them was really exciting and intriguing. It is quite an incredible discovery and so pertinent that it happened shortly before the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.'
Also known as the Liberation of Italy, the Italian Campaign lasted from 1943 to 1945 and included major battles and strategic landings.
One of the typewritten letters in the folder, dated April 26 1945 and signed by Lieutenant-General RL McCreery, commander of the British Eighth Army during the final offensive in Italy, praises soldiers who 'have played a decisive part in this great Eighth Army offensive' and says: 'You have driven the enemy north of the River Po in disorder. You have shown a splendid determination and fighting spirit, and a fine endurance in two-and-a-half weeks of continuous battle.'
Another from May 5 1945, signed by 6th British Armoured Division commander Major General H Murray states: 'The campaign in Italy is over. The final battle lasted 24 days and resulted in the capitulation of all German forces in Italy unconditionally.
'It is difficult for me to express in words the admiration I feel for the magnificent job which you have all done to make this victory possible.'
The folder also contains copies of letters Mr Rodger sent to former army comrades after they were demobilised, including one from December 1947 in which he reflects on the disillusionment of post-war and wrote: 'I think some of you will feel, as I do, sad that so much conflict and grief should have emerged as a consequence of the war. Mankind is now possessed of un-dreamed of power and is on the threshold of great discovery but is apparently unready to move forward as a community of nations.'
It also contains invitations to reunions, and a group photograph featuring both and Major Jack (John) Profumo, who later became an MP and was forced to resign after triggering a major political scandal in the 1960s.
With the help of the Church of Scotland, with whom Mr Rodger was an elder, Lanark resident Martin is now hoping to reunite the historic documents with the family after studying the contents to establish the owner's identity and beginning to piece together his story from the documents found in a desk purchased 18 years after his death.
Mr Rodger, who was appointed MBE for his wartime service, was a solicitor and became a partner in Glasgow law firm Brechin Robb, and also lectured in accountancy law at Glasgow University. He co-founded Scottish Opera and devoted himself to the Scout Association, where he was a former training commissioner for Scotland was was appointed OBE for his voluntary service.
The World War II veteran was an elder of Wellington Church in Glasgow, now part of Kelvin West Church. His widow Isabel died in February 2023 and the couple had a son called Sandy – thought to live in the south of England – and three grandchildren.
Martin said: 'Ian Rodger sounded like he was a fascinating man and his son must be very proud of him, I would love to return the folder to him if possible.
'I can only imagine how this situation came about – the desk was likely taken to the auction house to be sold and nobody noticed there was a folder stuck behind a drawer. If Sandy Rodger or anyone he knows reads this story, I would encourage them to get in touch with the Church offices in Edinburgh and arrangements will be made to return the folder to him.'
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