On the wide, wind-swept shores of Praa Sands in the 1940s, life moved to the rhythm of the tides and the distant echoes of a world at war. For one young girl growing up in this quiet Cornish village, the arrival of American GIs from the 29th Infantry division based near Praa Sands ready for D Day, brought a moment of unexpected wonder — a simple stick of chewing gum pressed into her hand by a smiling soldier far from home.

It was a small gift, but in a time of rationing and uncertainty, it felt extraordinary. She savoured it carefully, and when it was gone, she kept the wrapper — a treasured reminder of kindness, curiosity, and a smile from a kind soldier that would stay with her for years to come.

This is her story — a memory of wartime Cornwall, of innocence and generosity, and of how even the smallest gestures can leave a lasting mark. Here is a exert from the people's war by kind permission of the BBC.

'WW2 People's War is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar'

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The letter above refers to the primroses the young queen had picked which she asks to be shared among staff at Royal Lodge.

The Royal Lodge is a Grade II-listed, 30-room mansion located in Windsor Great Park, in Berkshire roughly 3 miles south of Windsor Castle. Owned by the Crown Estate, it has served as a royal residence since the 19th century, famously acting as the home of the Queen Mother until 2002.

The letter, addressed to Beatrice Stillman (1901-1991) was the head housemaid at Royal Lodge, and reads:

Sea Side, Sea Mead, Praa Sands

Dear Beatrice,

I am sending you some primroses we picked, wild. There are some pale pink ones as well as the yellow. It is very lovely here. We can go down on to the beach from the garden. I hope the birds are well, and the gold-fish haven’t died. Will you please give Cootie (Miss Coote I mean) and Mrs Wade some of the primroses to share. Jock is very well and happy here. Nanny and Joanna send their love to you.

Love from Elizabeth.

The sketches a pair of horses and mounted highwaymen, a girl on a seat named Mary, a dog named Jim, a boy named John, as well as a boy and pony jumping a five-bar gate, nearby a man stroking a horse.

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