Newly discovered Hitler photos go to auction

Black and white images of the Nazi leader and of German soldiers performing their infamous goose step march were captured by a camera found at Evere Airfield, near Brussels, in September that year.

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A previously unseen photograph of Hitler at Evere Airfield

It is thought the equipment was dropped or lost during the German evacuation shortly before the end of the Second World War and then picked up by a British soldier, who was stationed in Belgium.

The prints were stored in an album and then kept by Eliza Smith, a former secretary of Allestree Hall, in Derby. They were subsequently passed on to the hall's current owner, Derby City Council.

Now the rare artefact will be sold by Hansons Auctioneers at a two-day sale next month.

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It is "an exciting find for militaria collectors", said auctioneer Charles Hanson.

He said: "The social context of the images are evocative of a sad past in world history since there are also images of Belgian patriots hanging on the streets of Rue de la Loi.

"We can only wonder how the camera and film ended up in an album at old Allestree Hall. It is also interesting to note that the development of the film was undertaken on behalf of the person who discovered the film by 'Jerry for one tablet of soap!'."

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Writing on the album indicates where it was found

It is thought 'Jerry' refers to a friend of the soldier who found the camera, and not a member of the German armed forces.

Allestree Hall was used by the Army and the fire service during the Second World War before it came under the control of Derby City Council, along with 323 acres of grounds.

The album will be sold, with a guide price of £100-£150, during a two-day auction on April 23 and 24 at the Mackworth Hotel, near Derby.