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Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Eden Camp has unveiled an extraordinary wartime love story preserved within its archives.
The correspondence between wartime sweethearts Bert and Betty offers a glimpse into the strength of love during World War II. Their daughter, Ann, kindly loaned it to the museum.
The rare collection features over 600 letters exchanged between the couple and reveals their journey from strangers to lifelong partners. Betty, a young woman supporting the war effort from home, and Bert, a naval recruit stationed far from England’s shores, nurtured their romance through handwritten letters filled with wit, humour, and resilience.
Summer O’Brien, Collections & Engagement Manager at Eden Camp Modern History Museum, said: “These letters are a testament to the power of connection during one of history’s most challenging periods. The way Bert carried Betty’s letters with him throughout the war and their efforts to stay connected during the uncertainty and danger are deeply moving. It’s an honour to share their story, and we’re grateful to their daughter, Ann, for loaning these special letters to our archive here at Eden Camp. They make such a precious addition to the stories we are able to talk about society in the Second World War.”
Betty and Bert met through their parents working together at the Co-op Dairy in Birmingham, and they got to know one another by exchanging letters and gifts in the mail. Many young women were encouraged to write and knit balaclavas and socks for the men in the forces as their contribution to the war effort, which boosted the troops’ morale. The first letter exchanged between the two was dated 16th April 1942, which was a reply of thanks to Betty for the pullover she had knitted for Bert.
Betty was a young woman during the war and a keen writer. In the early days of their relationship, she sent Bert stationery, books, toothbrushes, and soap, in addition to letters and knitting.
One of the last pieces of correspondence was a telegram around D-Day, stating that Bert was coming home, giving the couple a happily ever after.
To explore more stories of World War II and find out more about Eden Camp and book your tickets by visiting https://edencamp.co.uk/
