Second World War love letters returned to family by WDYTYA? reader

Margaret Raven was reunited with the romantic letters from her late husband after an appeal on our website

Published: June 11, 2020 at 2:25 pm

A 97-year-old woman has been reunited with the love letters she exchanged with her late husband during the Second World War thanks to Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine readers.

Last year, we featured the story of Robert Raven and Margaret Blyth (later Raven), whose letters had been acquired by history enthusiast Bob Sheridan.

Bob and his friend Tracey Dene Powell wanted our help returning the letters to Robert and Margaret’s family.

The letters, written between 1941 and 1953, reveal a passionate romance that endured during the couple’s separation while Robert was serving in the RAF.

Ultimately, they married in 1945 and settled in South Africa.

Shortly after the story was published, we were contacted by a friend of the Raven family, who alerted them about the letters.

We then heard from Robert and Margaret’s son, Andrew Raven.

He revealed that Robert died in the mid-1980s, but Margaret is still alive at the age of 97 and the family would love to receive the letters.

Wedding picture_image


Margaret and Robert Raven's wedding in 1945 (Credit: Robert Raven)

Fortunately, Margaret’s sister was in England visiting her family, so Tracey was able to meet her to personally return the letters.

Margaret’s sister then took them back to South Africa, where Margaret and her four children were able to rediscover them.

Andrew Raven said: “It is quite remarkable that these letters should have come to light so many years later and I know my mother would be delighted to receive them a second time.

“Although somewhat frail now, she still displays a sharp mind and has a remarkable memory, and will undoubtedly appreciate reliving these many lovely and deeply meaningful memories.”

Tracey said: “It is wonderful to see the letters back in Margaret’s possession and an emotional and satisfying end to the story.”

Rosemary Collins is the staff writer of Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine

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