A biscuit tin of memories handed in after last year’s two minutes’ silence in Wisbech has unearthed medals and photographs of a former naval officer who served in WW2.

Wisbech Standard: The biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry RutterThe biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

A family who moved into a house in town were putting things away when they spotted the tin tucked into a corner of their attic in Cannon Street.

Curiosity aroused, they opened it up to reveal photos and certificates from the life of a Wisbech butcher, who received a medal for his naval service in World War Two.

Unsure of what to do, but mindful they did not want the memories to be lost, they turned up at the two minutes silence in Wisbech last year and handed the tin to Royal British Legion representatives.

Since then, Christine Green, married to Cambs 876 Remembered Project leader Glen Green, has spent a year researching the life of the man in the biscuit tin photos - Claude Clarke.

Wisbech Standard: The biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry RutterThe biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

She said: “The people just turned up and handed in the tin on last year’s Remembrance Day while we were at the war memorial. It was a great thing to do.

“They asked if we could do something with it or trace this person’s family.

“It is full of load of photographs, certificates and the medal.

“He has a niece in Holland called Joy Vanhok and was married to Daisy Bellamy in 1980. They married when they were in their 50s.

Wisbech Standard: The biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry RutterThe biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)

“Claude’s father, we think, was who lived at Canon Street, where the biscuit tin was found.

“Claude died in 2015 at the age of 89 at Hickathrift House residential home in Marshland St James.”

• Claude Clarence Clarke was born on January 20, 1926, in Walsoken. His parents were Arthur Clarke and Harriett Clarke.

• Did you know Claude’s family? Email kath.sansom@archant.co.uk.

Wisbech Standard: The biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry RutterThe biscuit tin found in a Wisbech attic containing war memorabilia and photographs. PHOTO: Harry Rutter (Image: Archant)