A lucky teddy bear that filled a cancer-stricken wife’s heart with hope during the Second World War is set for auction.
‘Bear’ was a love token brought back to England by serviceman Horace Fenton during the 1940s conflict to comfort his wife, Lillian.
The couple were torn apart by war in 1942 and at around the same time Lillian was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Bear became a symbol of hope for them both – a sign that they would be reunited for good one day.
The 9in-high vintage toy, small enough to sit on Lillian’s hand, took pride of place on a chest of drawers in the couple’s bedroom throughout the conflict – a love token, lucky mascot and forget-me-not all in one, according to family member Emma Evans.
Emma, from Stafford, was left Bear by her Great Uncle Horace. Now she feels the time is right for the cuddly toy and WW2 veteran to be loved by someone new. He is due to be auctioned on April 20 at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire with a guide price of £200-£300.
She recalls the wartime story: “On November 19, 1942, while travelling from his home in Blyton, near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, to Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, Horace was called up to enlist as a sapper in the Royal Engineers. He had to leave behind his beautiful wife of five years, Lillian, and head off to do his training.
“By December 22, 1942 he had completed his rifle practice, hand grenade and Bren gun training. We cannot imagine what was going through the minds of these young men. They were catapulted out of their everyday lives with loved ones and thrown into the fear and trepidation of a world unknown to anybody. But with a duty to serve and protect their country, Horace and his comrades had a job to do.
“As a skilled carpenter, his talents were put to good use building the Mulberry Harbours in Portsmouth which were fundamental to enable rapid offloading of cargo on to the beaches during the war.
“Horace took part in the push through to Germany and was posted to Ryde and Bembridge in the Isle of Wight, Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy, France, and Duisburg and Hamburg in Germany.
“Throughout this time his wife was battling ovarian cancer. This left her infertile and unable to have children. Deeply saddened by this news, as children would have been a wonderful addition to their lives, Horace brought Bear back on his next trip home.
“The love token adorned their large wooden chest of drawers in their bedroom. Lillian could see the teddy as she fell asleep each night, hoping her husband would return – and he did.
“He celebrated VE Day in Duisburg with his comrades and hundreds of locals – a joyous day after a long, drawn-out war. They eventually travelled east to Hamburg before returning back to their loved ones in the UK.
“Unable to have children of their own, they doted on me, their only great niece. I have some beautiful memories of spending school holidays and weekends with them. Horace was a most gentle soul, such a kind human being. He loved his dogs, horses and vegetable patch and would often have me dabbling with all three.
“Years later, I can still picture Bear on their chest of drawers. The toy was left to me as a token of love in their will. It’s now time for Bear to be loved by someone else.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “What a wonderful, evocative story. Bear is around 80 years old now, a poignant reminder of a wartime and love story a symbol of hope. His story makes him extra special and teddy bear collectors worldwide will want to take care of him.”
Bear, lot 417, will be offered in Hansons Auctioneers’ April 20 Toys Auction with a guide price of £200-£300. Catalogue www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com
To find out more, or to arrange a free toy valuation, email David Wilson-Turner: [email protected].
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE APRIL 20 TOYS & MODELS AUCTION CATALOGUE
