Secret documents of Glasgow war hero found in old desk

Glasgow Times

08-05-2025

Martin Reid bought the desk at auction four years ago, but only discovered the folder of documents recently when he was moving furniture and discovered them behind a drawer that had been stuck.
It contained photographs, letters and maps relating to the British Army's involvement in the campaign known as the Liberation of Italy between 1943 and 1945.
(Image: Church of Scotland/PA Wire)
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Martin discovered that the papers belonged to the late Ian Rodger, from Glasgow, who served with 2 Squadron of the 6th Armoured Division Signal Regiment, a unit of the British Army, and fought in Italy and Tunisia.
It is now hoped Ian's son can be traced so the documents can be passed on to him.
Martin, from Lanark in South Lanarkshire, said: 'I had to move the desk to make way for a bed and took out the drawers to make it easier to lift.
'The bottom left drawer was stuck, so I reached in behind to see what the obstruction was and pulled out this green paper file folder, which was wedged in at the back.
'Inside were lots of photographs, letters, maps and invitations all relating to the Second World War – leafing through them was really exciting and intriguing.
'To say I was surprised was an understatement because I bought the desk nearly four years earlier, and after studying the contents, I worked out that they belonged to a man called Ian Rodger from Glasgow, who I presume used to own the desk.
'The papers and photographs are fascinating and provide a really important insight into the British Army's involvement in the Italian campaign against Adolf Hitler's Germany and the important role they played in defeating fascism and bringing the war to an end.'
Ian Rodger (Image: Scottish Opera/PA Wire)
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Ian Rodger held the rank of Captain during the war and can be seen in a wartime photo, which appears to feature Major Jack (John) Profumo, who later became a Secretary of State and whose political career ended after an affair with Christine Keeler came to light in the 1960s.
After being demobilised, Ian practised as a solicitor in Glasgow, co-founded Scottish Opera and was involved in the Scouts and Wellington Church of Scotland in Glasgow, where he was an elder.
He died aged 91 in 2007, and in March 2021, his desk was put up for sale at McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow.
Martin bought it for £110 and used it regularly at his home over the years, not knowing the historic papers were hidden inside.
The folder contains a detailed route map of the advance of the 6th Armoured Division in the Italian campaign and a colour map of Tunisia produced by the British War Office in 1941/42.
One of the typewritten letters is dated April 26, 1945 and is signed by Lieutenant-General R.L. McCreery, Commander of the British Eighth Army during the final offensive in Italy.
It states: 'You have played a decisive part in this great Eighth Army offensive.
'You have driven the enemy north of the River Po in disorder.
'You have shown a splendid determination and fighting spirit, and a fine endurance in two-and-a-half weeks of continuous battle.'
Another typewritten letter dated May 5, 1945 and signed by Major General H Murray, commander of the 6th British Armoured Division, states: 'The campaign in Italy is over.
'The final battle lasted 24 days and resulted in the capitulation of all German forces in Italy unconditionally.
'It is difficult for me to express in words the admiration I feel for the magnificent job which you have all done to make this victory possible.'
(Image: Church of Scotland/PA Wire)
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The folder also contains copies of letters Mr Rodger sent to former British Army comrades after they were demobilised and invitations to reunion events over the decades.
Ian's widow Isabel died in February 2023, and the couple had a son called Sandy and three grandchildren.
Rev Richard Baxter, minister of Kelvin West Parish Church, confirmed the Rodgers were members of what was then known as Wellington Church.
He said their son was thought to live on the south coast of England and hopes that he can be traced.
(Image: Church of Scotland/PA Wire)Martin, 52, said: 'It is quite an incredible discovery and so pertinent that it happened shortly before the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
'Ian Rodger sounded like he was a fascinating man, and his son must be very proud of him. I would love to return the folder to him if possible.'
He added: 'If Sandy Rodger or anyone he knows reads this story, I would encourage them to get in touch with the Church offices in Edinburgh and arrangements will be made to return the folder to him.'