A SCRAP of wartime history from a Haworth business has been rescued from oblivion thanks to a surprise discovery made by the owner of a company in East Sussex.

Wyedean Weaving, which makes military uniform regalia and accessories, has been given one of its own letters from the Second World War which it had sent to a customer asking him to be patient while the business recovered from its premises being destroyed by German bombing raids.

A Wyedean Weaving spokesman explained that while this firm has been in Haworth since 1964, its origins go back much further, so this newly uncovered letter provides a link to a turbulent past.

He said: "The Wyedean Weaving Company originated in Coventry around 1850, and was previously known as Dalton, Barton and Co Ltd.

"During the Second World War, the company's main factory in Coventry was completely destroyed during the Blitz in 1941.

"The business's East End London warehouse and store in Jewin Street, London, were also later destroyed.

"For this reason we've no artefacts or records dating from before the Blitz, nor evidence of this difficult time in our company’s history. That is until recently when this old letter came to light from one of Dalton Barton’s war-time customers.

"Gary Smith is the current owner of fourth-generation upholsterers JE Smith and Son, in Eastbourne.

"He tracked us down when he found the letter from Dalton, Barton and Co hidden away in his own company’s workshop.

"Gary’s grandfather had purchased webbing from Dalton, Barton and Co during the war, and his company manufactured sewing bags for gas masks."

The wartime letter from the firm which is now Wyedean Weaving informs JE Smith and Son's then boss: "Owing to enemy action our premises and stock at 49-52 Jewin Street have been completely destroyed, including all letters and records and we ask your indulgence for a few days to enable us to reply to any correspondence you may have addressed to us in the last ten days."

Reflecting some true "Blitz Spirit" the letter goes on to explain that the firm is returning to business as usual – despite the little matter of a global war – and had already managed to secure replacement premises elsewhere in London.

The Wyedean Weaving spokesman highlighted a coincidental modern-day link between the Haworth firm and the business in Eastbourne.

He said: "JE Smith and Son these days focuses on high quality upholstery work.

"They recently helped manufacture a bespoke chair called the 'Windsor Castle chair'.

"The chair imitates the scarlet woollen ceremonial uniform of the Irish Guards, and is replete with detailed buttons, buckles and accoutrement, which coincidently Wyedean manufactures and supplies to all the Guard’s regiments."