BBC Antiques Roadshow expert breaks down as he refuses to value heartbreaking item in show first
Share:
Antiques Roadshow fans felt emotional when a repeated WWII special episode aired without any of the expert valuations. Broadcast from the historical walls of Dover Castle, the show commemorated 80 years since World War II began. However, it broke tradition by refusing to offer appraisals for wartime keepsakes brought in by visitors.
Amongst these relics was an intriguing photo album previously owned by an Austrian soldier that contained a rare snapshot of Neville Chamberlain's notorious 1938 encounter with Adolf Hitler. Another poignant discovery shared was a letter collection recounting the poignant tale of young Audrey, at nine years old during the conflict, who tragically lost her life aboard a ship destined for Canada, meant to offer sanctuary from the tumultuous blitz.
Expert Bill Harriman delivered a particularly touching moment as he recited one heartbreaking letter from the cache, dated 19th September 1940, which carried grim news to Audrey's parents about their daughter's fate after the fateful torpedo attack on the night of 17th September, reports the Express.
Fighting back emotion, Bill read aloud: "And it says, 'Dear Mr Mansfield, I am very distressed to inform you that in spite of all of the precautions taken by the ship carrying your child to Canada was torpedoed on Tuesday night September 17th.". He continued with a heavy heart: "I am afraid your child was not amongst those reported as rescued," highlighting the sombre reality of wartime losses.
