The smallest letter ever sent from the Atlas Works

From "Jack" Fielding to his daughter Pippa, 16.1.1944

John Cheslyn Fielding was an ingenius draughtsman and loving father in equal measure. These two elements of his character can be seen combined here in the smallest letter ever sent from the Atlas Works.

I thought you might like to have a letter

The letter’s paper measures half an inch wide and less than an inch high and was folded into an envelope that is even smaller! It was probably written using a needle dipped in ink.

It was sent from Fielding and Platt by post in the morning of 16 January 1944 and arrived at his home Ree’s Farm, Upton St Leonards, where his daughter Pippa was ill, that afternoon.

Could this be the smallest letter ever sent by post?

A transcription of the letter’s text can be read below.

Atlas Works,

Gloucester

16.1.44

My Darling Baby,

I thought you might like to have a letter like the one I sent to Aunty Nell.

Poor darling, you were not at all well when you came home from Belmont yesterday, but I hope you are better today.  I did not see you before I went off to work this morning.  When that happens it always seems a very long day, so I am looking forward to coming home this evening and I hope you […] what Rupert will be doing today? Hope he will not have been eaten by the Cannibals

Give my love to Mummy.  Your loving

Daddy

Images courtesy of Pippa Edwards

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