It would be during the harsh winter of 1939/40, when the snow was deep, and crisp and prolonged.
I would be eight at the time.
The exposed lane to our home was heavily mantled. The tips of the field fence posts protruded intermittently as I picked my way home from school in the darkling late afternoon. Though just enough light remained to draw my attention to a faint gleam in a fold of snow.
Pulling gingerly on what appeared to be a fine chain, releasing it slowly from its prison of compacted snow, the chain led down to reveal a heart shaped gold locket.
On prising the catch, looking back at me was a head and shoulders photo of a fine young soldier, his uniform buttoned to the neck. It was John, a close neighbour's hope, great pride, and only son. The locket belonging to his younger sister.
The family was so pleased to have the locket safely restored, that their mother, May, gave me a whole half-crown. Needless to say, I could not be expected to keep a whole half-crown to myself, but my mother did recognise my deed in kind.
John, a sergeant, of the 2nd Battalion, The King's Regiment, lies in the Assisi War Cemetery, Perugia, Italy. Killed in action 26 June, 1944, aged 24.
Our neighbour's home was never the same, the locket becoming the guardian of silent sorrow.
John B. Leaver
Whalley
Lancashire.
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