South’s Mill & A Secret Message from 1918.

I was very excited to receive my latest postcard today. My good friend Simon of Charnwood Genealogy attended a postcard fair last weekend and surprised me with this little gem, and it’s already raising more questions that will need further research! So watch this space!

This beautiful image shows South’s Mill (also known as the East Mill or Black Tower Mill) on Victoria Street. While the photograph itself is iconic, the back of the card tells an even more personal story — one that connects Billinghay to life during wartime.

A Secret Code? 💌

Take a close look at the George V penny stamp — it has been posted upside down. In the hidden “Language of Stamps,” which was popular at the time, this was a deliberate romantic signal meaning “I love you.” It seems the sender may have been delivering more than just a weather report!

The Billinghay Connection.

The sender was a member of the Tomlinson family, a name synonymous with Billinghay’s history, writing to Mr Harold White. Although Harold was staying at Bridgend Huts in Llanwrda, Wales, at the time, he was actually a Billinghay lad himself.

In 1918, the Lincolnshire Regiment was stationed at those very huts, making it likely Harold was there on duty, receiving a “breath of home” from a Tomlinson girl back in the village… yet to be discovered.

A Moment in Time.

Postmarked August 24th, 1918, the message reads:

“Have come into the country to spend a weekend with some friends. I am delighted with the brightness & sunshine — so much more vivid than W. Coast England.”

It’s incredible to think that while this “vivid sunshine” was being enjoyed, the village was only a few months away from the Armistice.

Do you have any White or Tomlinson ancestors in your family tree? Or perhaps memories of the old South’s Mill? Let us know in the comments!

As always, if you can share any old photos or stories about Anwick or Billinghay. I would love to hear from you.

Please comment here or email jackocats2@gmail.com