BURFORD is one of the jewels in the Cotswold crown – and it was amazing to view Alf Jewell’s captivating collection of Burford images from yesteryear (Oxford Mail, June 22).
I’ve had many a cycle ride there over the years, and enjoyed Burford’s beauty and character.
The High Street remains almost unchanged except for parked cars, and the buildings still house various shops for a lazy Sunday afternoon perusal.
Being interested in the Second World War, I was especially drawn to the fascinating photograph of the US Army Sherman tank in the river.
One of its tracks had snapped, causing the 30-tonne-plus tank to fall from the bridge and plunge into the Windrush.
Sherman tanks were used extensively by the Allies from late 1942 onwards, and it must have been quite a sight to behold.
To the right of the photograph, on the bank, a small crowd had gathered, probably in awe of the metal monster which had found itself inadvertently in a Cotswold river – en route to a possible D-Day calling, or maybe part of a unit defending Blighty from Nazi invasion.
Alf’s 50 years of collecting has obviously been a labour of love – a wonderful collection of photographs.
MR DAVID TINSON Moorland Road Witney
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