Secret WWII Documents Discovered in Auction-Bought Desk Reveal New Insights

A man expressed his astonishment at discovering Second World War papers belonging to a Scotsman who participated in the war, which were tucked away inside a desk 18 years after the individual passed away.

Four years back, Martin Reid purchased the desk at an auction, yet he stumbled upon the folder filled with papers just recently whilst shifting some furniture. It was during this move that he found the documents tucked away behind a drawer which had jammed in place.

It included photos, correspondence, and charts related to the topic. British The army's role in what was called the liberation operation Italy between 1943 and 1945.

Mr Reid found out that the documents were owned by the deceased Ian Rodger. Glasgow , who served with 2 Squadron of the 6th Armoured Division Signal Regiment, a unit of the British Army , and fought in Italy and Tunisia.

It is now hoped Mr Rodger’s son can be traced so the documents can be passed on to him.

Mr Reid, from Lanark in South Lanarkshire, 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 to see what the obstruction was and pulled out this green paper file folder which was wedged in at the back.

Among them were numerous photographs, letters, maps, and invitations all pertaining to the Second World War – flipping through these items was truly exhilarating and captivating.

I was more than just surprised since I had purchased the desk almost four years prior. After examining the items inside, I deduced that they once belonged to a gentleman named Ian Rodger from Glasgow, whom I assume previously owned the desk.

The documents and photos are intriguing and offer a truly significant glimpse into the British Army’s role. Italian campaign against Adolf Hitler’s Germany and the important role they played to defeat fascism and bring the war to an end.”

During the conflict, Ian Rodger served as a Captain and features in a wartime photograph believed to include Major John Profumo. Later, Profumo ascended to become a Secretary of State before his political journey was marred when details of his relationship with Christine Keeler emerged publicly in the 1960s.

Following his demobilisation, Mr Rodger worked as a solicitor in Glasgow, helped establish Scottish Opera, and was actively engaged with the Scouts and Wellington Church of Scotland in Glasgow, serving as an elder there.

He passed away at the age of 91 in 2007, and in March 2021, his desk was auctioned off at McTear’s Auctioneers in Glasgow.

Mr Reid purchased it for £110 and frequently used it at his home over the years, unaware of the historical documents concealed within.

The folder includes a comprehensive route map depicting the progression of the 6th Armoured Division during the Italian campaign, along with a coloured map of Tunisia created by the British War Office in 1941/42.

One of the typed letters bears the date April 26, 1945, and is signed by Lieutenant-General R.L. McCreery, who was the commander of the British Eighth Army during the concluding push in Italy.

“It states: “You have played a decisive part in this great Eighth Army offensive.

“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 typewritten letter dated May 5, 1945 and signed by Major General H Murray, commander of the 6th British Armoured Division, 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 British Army comrades after they were demobilised and invitations to reunion events over the decades.

Mr Roger's widow, Isabel, passed away in February 2023, and they had a son named Sandy along with three grandchildren.

The Reverend Richard Baxter from the Kelvin West Parish Church verified that the Rodgers family were part of what used to be called Wellington Church.

He mentioned that their son was believed to reside along the southern coastline of England and expressed hope that he could be located.

Mr Reid, aged 52, stated: "This is truly an astonishing find and remarkably fitting that it occurred just prior to the 80th anniversary of VE Day."

“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.”

He added: “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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