A lost World War Two letter written to a High Wycombe schoolgirl that was discovered inside a book has finally reached its destination after 76 years.

On an Italian winter’s day in February 1944, a Lance Corporal named 'John’ took to pen and paper to thank a schoolgirl in High Wycombe for her small yet valuable contribution to the war effort – knitting mittens for anonymous troops.

The letter was addressed to 'Miss Pat', who went to Hatters Lane Senior School at the time.

Decades later, the note was found tucked inside a book that was being prepared for resale by the World of Books Group - who then launched a nationwide search to return it to its rightful owner.

They were soon contacted by Lynn Cook from Surrey.

The campaign had been spotted by amateur historian Dave Thacker. Amazingly, despite the limited information publicised, Dave was able to use his skills to work out a connection between Lynn and Pat, and got in touch to let her know about World of Books’ find.

Lynn revealed the schoolgirl 'Miss Pat' was actually her mother, the late Pat Moore. Lynn, Pat's only surviving child, was just a young girl when her mother past away.

Although she had spent years researching her mother's life story, she knew nothing of her kindness during the war until Dave got in touch.

Research has uncovered that the 'John' who wrote the heartwarming note was Lance Corporal John Wheldon-Williams. He had received a simple pair of mittens from Pat - a small gesture, but one that had brought him comfort during difficult times.

Thankful for the gift, John wrote a thank you note to Pat - but sadly she never received the letter.

By the time it would arrive at the correspondence address, she had moved on.

Pat sadly passed away 20 years later, aged just 36 - never knowing just how much her act of kindness had meant to those at war.

Lynn said: “I’m delighted to be reunited with a piece of family history I knew nothing about. It’s incredibly moving to know how much my mum’s contribution to the war effort meant on a personal level.

"I have early memories of watching my mother knit at home – it’s something she always enjoyed. And I remember her telling me stories of her writing to pen pals during the war.

"I suspect she snuck a little note in with the package in the hope a soldier would eventually reply. She would have been overjoyed with this, and I’ll treasure it forever.”

Lynn and Dave worked together to find out more about John and his family.

They discovered he survived the war and returned to London, where he remained until he passed away in 1970.

When tracking down John’s son Brian, who was eight when the letter was written, they discovered he grew into a successful stage actor.

Under the name David Wheldon-Williams, he starred in a number of West End shows, including the original London production of Cabaret alongside Judi Dench.

Brian sadly passed away in 2017, but they have now made contact with other relatives and given them a new piece of family history too.

Graham Bell, CEO of World of Books Group, said: “Over 75 million used books come through our business each year, and we occasionally come across forgotten personal items tucked away inside them.

"It’s surprisingly common for people to place memories inside books for safe keeping, whether it be family photographs or letters from loved ones. But this find was particularly poignant and we knew we had to do something to return it to its rightful owner.

"We’re delighted to have found Lynn and learn more about the incredible story behind the letter.”

The full transcript of the letter:

Dear Miss Pat

You will be surprised at receiving this letter from a soldier now serving “somewhere in Italy”. In the first place, let me explain the connection between you and I. It is a pair of mittens, which I gather you knitted some time ago.

And now, may I say thank you.

I can give you some information of myself. I am a married man, possess a charming wife and we have a little boy – Brian – aged eight years. Our home is in London, and I yearn for the time when I shall return to our little home. What a glorious day it will be.

The tremendous needs of modern war takes everyone – and you can well be proud of the part you played within this great war-machine with your weapons - a few knitting needles. It may seem of no great importance to you, knitting comforts for “someone” in the forces, but you are performing a great service, a service that breathes the spirit of England.

Let me quote John Stuart Mill (1873) “Those only are happy - who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end”.

Thank you, again Pat, and be assured we will return – a victorious army.

I am, Miss Pat,

Yours gratefully.

John Wheldon-Williams