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Another poignant letter in the collection is Florence's copy of the message of condolence sent from Capt James' commanding officer Major Gordon Phillips to his grieving parents.
Maj Phillips wrote that the 22-year-old officer had died a 'glorious death' while storming a German machine gun post.He wrote: "He was one of the best sons anyone could wish to have. He was the best officer and best loved in all the battalion. He is indeed a great loss to the battalion and to his country.

The tragic story of a World War One sweetheart who married a hero Tommy after her first love was killed has emerged in a cache of intimate letters.

Florence Turner became engaged to Captain William James who she met while he was recovering from war wounds at a military hospital opposite her home.

The dashing officer returned to the Western Front only to later be killed while leading an assault on a German position.

After his death a grieving Florence met Military Cross recipient Lieutenant John McIlroy while he was also recuperating in the same hospital.