Antiques Roadshow delivered a heart-wrenching moment when an expert and guest shared an emotional embrace as they discussed a pair of Second World War boots with a personal connection.
The ‘s beloved programme set its scene at Swansea Pier and Seafront, where one item particularly captivated the audiencea pair of boots belonging to an RAF bomber pilot who served alongside the father of Antiques Roadshow’s own expert, Mark Smith.
Smith recounted the poignant encounter: “We met at a talk some months ago and I do have to say, I think we both stopped in our tracks that night, didn’t we?”
The guest went on to detail the touching backstory: “I’d found in a pair of flying boots that I bought many years ago, a letter which sparked me on a 20-year quest to find out all about the man in the letter, his family and what happened to him.
“So I brought the letter up and said to you ‘I have a letter here from a lady about her dead son. A lady called Hilda Shirt.’
“And you stopped dead in your tracks and stepped back as if you’ve been hit with a cattle prod. And you looked at me and said ‘Not Thomas Henry Shirt? ‘ and I looked at you in surprise and said ‘How do you know?’ and it’s all stemmed from there.”
Antiques Roadshow expert emotionally admits he cant do it as guest presents personal Second World War boots (Image: BBC)
Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Smith was emotional talking about his dad’s best friend Flight Sergeant Shirt who was tragically killed during the Second World War. (Image: BBC)
Smith recounted one of the 65 missions his father logged, highlighting a particularly poignant passage: “There is one entry which was always something very special for my dad because it says ‘Operation Nickel II, Special Duties. Encountered anti-aircraft fire over one target during which engagement Flight Sgt Shirt lost his life.’
“Now Harry, Flight Sergeant Shirt, was my dad’s best friend. My dad told me the harrowing story of how Henry was killed on that target and they swapped over a job in a gun turret. And as they swapped, they were hit by over 1,000 bullets.”
“And had they not swapped places, you wouldn’t be standing here talking to me today” the guest said emotionally, as the expert nodded in agreement.
“Flight lieutenant Ayshford was your dad’s pilot. He was flying the plane when your dad’s life was saved and the boots belonged to him.”
Overwhelmed by emotion while attempting to read an original letter found in the boot, Smith struggled: “I can’t do it. I can’t do it. You go.”
The guest then read the heartfelt letter aloud: “‘Dear Flight Lieutenant Ayshford, I thank you for your letter concerning the death of my son Harry.
“The shock of Harry’s death has made me really very unwell. I do wish to thank you most sincerely and all the members of your crew for all you did for my dear boy. In almost his last letter, he said how very fortunate he was to be with such a grand lot of fellows.’
Smith said with emotion: “Wow. My dad held his hand for pretty much all the way back and the doctor said: ‘He’s gone, son. He’s been gone for hours.’ But my dad held his hand all the way.
“And you showed me a photograph of Harry’s funeral which I’d never seen before and there is my dad, standing at the back.”
An Antiques Roadshow guest and expert Mark Smith hugged after the former presented him with a pair of Second World War boots with personal meaning. (Image: BBC)
“However, maybe I have just one photo for you that you’ve never seen, because this was taken three weeks before Harry was killed.
“And there is Harry. There’s my dad. And there’s Johnny Ayshford, the owner of your boots.
Visibly moved, the guest shared: “Makes me – quite emotional” to which Smith replied: “Yes, I think that one got me as well.”
The segment took another heartwarming turn as the guest announced: “Well there is one last final surprise. Johnny was your dad’s pilot so I believe these boots belong to you. And they’re going back with you no matter what.”
Receiving the boots, an overwhelmed Smith embraced the man, gratefully saying: “Thanks mate. Dad says thank you. Blimey.”
Reflecting on the memorable moment, Smith added in another interview: “They are incredible. To have something from my dad’s crew again – just incredible. I will treasure them forever.”
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on One and iPlayer.