The owner of a lost letter from Tyne Cot Cemetery is being sought by the Flanders Fields Museum.

A British tourist has found an original First World War letter in Tyne Cot Cemetery. However, the document cannot be linked to any particular grave in the cemetery. It was probably lost by a family during a visit to the Westhoek. The In Flanders Fields Museum in the Ypres Cloth Halls has launched an appeal to find the owner.

Letter found

On 11 July 2024, British tourist Britt-Marie, found an original letter in Tyne Cot Cemetery. The letter was written on 9 May 1918 by Lieutenant C.E Prebble. It is addressed to the wife of Private S Webb informing her that her husband has been missing since 24 April: “It grieves me greatly to have to inform you that your husband Pte. Webb is reported missing from the 24th April. I am very much afraid that I cannot give you any definite information as to what happened to him, it is possible that he was wounded and taken prisoner.”

In Flanders Fields Museum seeks owner

After failing to find the owner at the cemetery, Britt-Marie took the letter to the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres. Research by the team there revealed that Lieutenant C.E Prebble died in Halloy-lès-Pernois (France) on 8 August 1918. The regiment to which they both belonged saw action in the Westhoek area.

Annick Vandenbilcke, member of the staff of the In Flanders Fields Museum: "Documents like this have emotional significance for relatives. We believe that someone is missing this letter. Also, we and Britt-Marie would like to find out more about private Webb. We wonder if there is a connection to this region?"

Owners are asked to get in touch with the museum at kenniscentrum@ieper.be.

Detail of the letter found ©In Flanders Fields Museum.

The document found ©In Flanders Fields Museum

The location where Britt-Marie Beard found the letter . ©In Flanders Fields Museum