I’m becoming a firm believer in the adage that you never know what each day will bring – today was no exception. Since my mother is moving to a retirement residence, we are working to get her home ready for sale by decluttering drawers, closets and cupboards. Some of you will know that Unravelled, my debut novel, includes elements based on my grandparents’ lives and I was delighted to discover several unexpected treasures from their past as Mom and I worked away. Here’s one of them:
SS Troopers Stationary Box
While my grandfather did not go overseas in WWII (he had been in France and Belgium during the first war), he was a Lt. Colonel in the Reserves and family history suggests that he had something to do with WWII espionage efforts. A friend sent him this SS Troopers Stationary Box with the following note:
Breda Holland, 24 Jul 45
Dear Les,
Thought you might like this SS troopers stationary box. I picked several up at the former SS HQ in Hamburg some time ago. Will also have a German field set as a souvenir for the mess, but may bring that myself. Hope to be home in a month or so.
Regards
Alex Genik
The box measures roughly 6″ by 8″ and is 2″ high.
The note enclosed inside the stationary box was on light orange stationary which when unfolded revealed a standard form Geheime Kommandosache – or Secret Command Document. (You will notice that someone has typed an English translation below each of the section of this firm.)
How’s that for an unexpected treasure? More later.
11 Responses
I love items from history, and always want to know their history. Thanks for sharing this along with the espionage part.
TX Coldhand Boyack … the espionage part is very cool! I’ve collected quite a lot of info about the Camp not far from Toronto where they trained spies from all parts of the British empire as well as the US. Unfortunately, records pertaining to those who served in this effort were destroyed so I have no way to prove that my grandfather’s involvement.
It’s almost fitting if you think about it.
This is great Mary, a decorated wooden box with a contemporary note inside AND you can show the provenance.
🙂 thanks Sue
Great piece to have, Mary
Really interesting Mary. Would like to see it. By the way, any idea who Alex Genek is or was?
Cheers, Dave
Mom knows who Alex Genik is. I will have to find out the details!!
Great family finds and family history! Will any make an appearance in a future novel?
Just might, Denise! I have a third one waiting for me to return to writing rather than marketing and publishing. I could weave in the photo at the Bonn bridge and maybe the writing box – you’ve just given me a great idea!
Can’t wait to read it!