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Lot 1
RHODES CECIL J.: (1853-1902) British Businessman and Politician in South Africa, Prime Minister of the Cape Colony 1890-96. An ardent supporter of British Imperialism, Rhodes was instrumental in organising the Jameson Raid, which, although botched and ineffective, was an inciting factor in the Second Boer War. Rhodes would later play a significant role in the Siege of Kimberley from October 1899 - February 1900. An excellent A.L.S., C. J. Rhodes, three pages, 8vo, n.p. (on a moving train), n.d. (c.1890), to [Julius] Weil. Rhodes announces, 'I feel sure Vryburg is to be won, but we must work' and continues to provide his correspondent with instructions, 'Frank Johnson will not be able to leave his fighting. You should communicate with Fuller and Sivewright. I wish you to at once send someone to Vryburg, the camp Taung, Kuruman and Gordonia and register all progressives both Dutch and English. Gordonia most especially. Ask Goodyear from me if he will do it. Kindly advance money and debit me. He should start at once', concluding his letter by remarking 'I am sure we shall win the seat especially if registration bill does not go through' and apologising for his handwriting as the train he is travelling on is shaking. A letter of fine content. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG Julius Weil, an English merchant, had been the first Jew to settle in Mafeking in 1878. His family firm, which evolved into the Imperial Transport Service, was responsible for the provisioning of Mafeking during the siege of 1899-1900. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Frank Johnson (1866-1943) English Explorer, Soldier and Entrepreneur. Sir James Sivewright (1848-1916) Scottish Businessman and Politician of the Cape Colony. A strong political ally of Rhodes, Sivewright was influential in obtaining support for Rhodes to take power and become Prime Minister of the Cape Colony in 1890. In December 1889 a chance meeting occurred between Frank Johnson, James Sivewright and Cecil Rhodes in Cape Town which resulted in the 23-year-old adventurer being persuaded to head a Pioneer Column. The Pioneer Corps had been raised by Rhodes and his British South Africa Company as a military force to assist in the annexation of the territory of Mashonaland, later part of Southern Rhodesia, in 1890. Johnson and his men were successful in securing Matabeleland and Mashonaland before the Germans, Portuguese or Boers could, and the British Union flag was hoisted on the kopje overlooking Fort Salisbury on 13th September 1890. Johnson himself was not present at the official parade and flag raising having headed to Hartley Hills in his quest to find gold. The Pioneer Corps were officially disbanded on 1st October 1890 and each member was granted land on which to farm. The town of Vryburg, in the North West Province of South Africa, was situated on Cecil Rhodes's great northern railroad which ran from Cape Town, through the diamond fields in Kimberley and northwards beyond the Victoria Falls. In 1885 the British seized the town and incorporated it into British Bechuanaland, which would later become part of the Cape Colony in 1895. During the Second Boer War a British Concentration Camp was built at Vryburg to accommodate Boer women and children.
Lot 100
JELLICOE JOHN: (1859-1935) 1st Earl Jellicoe. British Admiral of the Fleet who commanded the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 during World War I. A good A.L.S., Jellicoe, three pages, 8vo, Wellington, New Zealand, 24th January 1922, to Victor J. Howes, on the printed stationery of Government House. Jellicoe states that he cannot provide his correspondent with any positive information regarding the German officer he had enquired about, explaining 'I have however a German Navy List of 1913 and there is no Admiral of that name in the list of Admirals or senior Captains & I never heard of an Admiral of the name as commanding a squadron during the war' and therefore concluding 'So that I think it most probable that the man you mention did not hold that rank'. Jellicoe further writes 'I am always very glad to hear from a sailor as you can probably guess. There is a brotherhood amongst us which is born of the sea. I am deeply flattered at what you tell me concerning your son's name & hope you will give him my best wishes for his future.' Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Jellicoe. A letter of interesting content. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG
Lot 102
BEATTY DAVID: (1871-1936) British Admiral of the Fleet during World War I, commanded the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, when he famously remarked 'There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today' after two exploded. A.L.S., Beatty, three pages, 8vo, Grantully Castle, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, 17th August 1920, to a gentleman. The admiral writes to his correspondent regarding a speech, agreeing for it to be published, although advising 'I should prefer however that it should be in the form of “A part of a speech delivered at Huddersfield” and not as an Interview', further explaining 'My reason being that I am continuously being asked to give Interviews to which I have invariably replied that it was not possible. If I make an exception in this case it would only cause me to be bombarded with further applications'. Some very light age wear, otherwise VG
Lot 103
BEATTY DAVID: (1871-1936) British Admiral of the Fleet during World War I, commanded the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, when he famously remarked 'There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today' after two exploded. A.L.S., Beatty, two pages, 4to, Regent's Park, 3rd April 1923, to Rennell Rodd. Beatty announces 'Taffy shall be appointed to his Flagship Mediterranean if there is a vacancy' and continues 'As you say there are no midshipmen carried in Light Cruisers. But he will be very happy I am sure in the "Iron Duke", she is a comfortable ship with plenty of room. Do you know Brock the C-in-C, a capital fellow with lots of good fellows on board'. Beatty further adds 'The "Thunderer" arrives home on the 15th and the Boys then have to do their exams which will permit them to get away on the 21st'. Together with Earl Jellicoe (1859-1935) British Admiral of the Fleet who commanded the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 during World War I. Final page of an A.L.S., Jellicoe, one page, 4to, n.p., n.d., to an unknown correspondent. The final page of text begins '….Air Force occurred in his time as 1st Sea Lord & he could speak with personal knowledge' and Jellicoe continues to refer to his purchase of 80 Portland Place in London, although remarks that he won't be able to move there until the following year owing to his daughter's illness. VG, 2 Rennell Rodd (1858-1941) British Diplomat & Politician.
Lot 104
BEATTY DAVID: (1871-1936) British Admiral of the Fleet during World War I, commanded the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, when he famously remarked 'There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today' after two exploded. A brief A.L.S., Beatty, one page, 8vo, Dingley Hall, Market Harborough, 7th January 1934, to a lady. Beatty writes, in full, 'I return you the testimonial (no longer present) as requested and a small donation to help his case.' Some very light, extremely minor creasing and a few small pin holes to the upper left corner. Together with Charles Beresford (1846-1919) British Admiral whose potential role in World War I was greatly hampered by a longstanding dispute with Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Fisher. A.L.S., Charles Beresford, three pages, small 8vo, Royal Dockyard, Chatham, 10th February 1894, to Mr. Alexander. Beresford informs his correspondent that he has only just returned today and remarks that he has been ill during his absence ('I have fairly paid the penalty for never having been ill before in my life'), continuing 'More certainly I will be very glad to recommend you to the position you wish for whenever an opportunity occurs.' VG, 2
Lot 110
FOCH FERDINAND: (1851-1929) French General, Supreme Allied Commander during World War I. Foch accepted the German request for an armistice on 11th November 1918. A.L.S., F Foch, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 1st May 1909, to Targe, on the printed stationery of the Commander General of the French War College, in French. Foch states that he has attempted to see his correspondent for the past few days, although without success, explaining 'I wanted to ask you to receive and hear out Colonel Veyrines' and continuing 'Without a doubt, you know better than I do what happened to him. As I am not informed, I won't say anything about it to you. However, despite all his faults of leadership, Veyrines is a man who is very forthright, very reliable, very intelligent, very well-educated, very well-meaning, even too well-meaning, to the point where he loses his perspective of reality', further remarking 'If the decision can not be reconsidered, perhaps he can be given to understand that it is neither definitive nor decisive', asking if Veyrines could be sent to see Targes early the following week and concluding 'I am counting on your seeing him very much, and if possible, on your being able to do something for him. He deserves it'. With a rough pencil draft, presumably of the reply to Foch's letter, in an unidentified hand in French to the integral leaf, also dated 1st May 1909. Some light age wear, otherwise VG
Lot 111
FOCH FERDINAND: (1851-1929) French General, Supreme Allied Commander during World War I. Foch accepted the German request for an armistice on 11th November 1918. T.L.S., F. Foch, one page, 8vo, Paris, 27th April 1926, to a lady, in French. Foch commences his letter by stating 'Your wish to contribute to France's national fund will touch everyone's heart, all the more so as you associate your gesture to the memories of two sons so bravely fallen and whom you are mourning' and informs his correspondent that he will send her cheque to the committee today, further sending his thanks, regards and sympathy 'for the cruel bereavement which has affected you'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
Lot 112
JOFFRE JOSEPH: (1852-1931) French General, Commander-in-Chief of the French Army 1914-16. Joffre is remembered for his important role in defeating the Germans at the strategically decisive First Battle of the Marne in September 1914. L.S., J Joffre, two pages, 8vo, Paris, 26th April 1895, to Ch. Buhring & Co., on the printed stationery of the Commission to Review the Land and Sea Forces, in French. Joffre writes in his capacity as Secretary of the Commission regarding his correspondent's proposal of a pocket filter and informs them that the matter and corresponding file have been forwarded to the Minister of War and that any future communications from them on the subject should be sent directly to the Minister. With some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG
Lot 113
JOFFRE JOSEPH: (1852-1931) French General of World War I, Commander-in-Chief of the French Army 1914-16. Joffre is best known for his role in the strategically decisive First Battle of the Marne in September 1914. D.S., J Joffre, two pages, folio, Paris, 18th October 1905, on the printed stationery of the Minister of War, in French. The typed document concerns the Military Hospital at Bastia and a report which has been drawn up for the necessary repairs to the boiler room of the baths, detailing the expenditure required for the improvement including the purchase of the stove, the piping and the assembly of the apparatus. Signed by Joffre in his capacity as General Director at the conclusion and countersigned by the head of the bureau. Two lengthy neat splits to the edges of the horizontal central fold, not affecting the text or signatures, and some very light, minor creasing, about VG
Lot 116
GOURAUD HENRI: (1867-1946) French General of World War I, Commander of the French Expeditionary Corps in the Dardanelles Campaign, 1915 (where he was wounded and lost his right arm) and Commander of the Fourth Army on the Western Front, gaining distinction at the Second Battle of the Marne, 1918. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Gouraud in uniform seated in a full length pose on horseback. Signed ('Gouraud') in dark fountain pen ink at the base of the image and dated Strasbourg, 1919 in his hand. Together with Louis Franchet d'Esperey (1856-1942) Marshal of France, as Commander of the large Allied army base at Salonika he conducted the successful Macedonian Campaign in World War I, leading to the collapse of the Southern Front and contributing to the armistice. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('F. d'Esperey') with a brief sentiment in French concerning the war above, dated 11th November 1934 in his hand on a card with a small newspaper portrait of the Marshal neatly affixed at the centre. Annotated in ink in the hand of a collector to the lower edge. Some very light age wear, G to about VG, 2 On 22nd November 1918 Gouraud had entered the city of Strasbourg, overthrowing the the Soviet government that had been proclaimed there on 11th November 1918.
Lot 117
FRENCH MILITARY: An attractive small group of printed 2.5 x 5.5 photographs individually signed by various French military officers, all of whom served during World War I, comprising Joseph Joffre (1852-1931, French General, Commander-in-Chief of the French Army 1914-16, remembered for his important role in defeating the Germans at the strategically decisive First Battle of the Marne in September 1914), Philippe Petain (1856-1951, French General, Commander-in-Chief of the French Army 1917-20 and later Prime Minister of France 1940-42 and Chief of the French State 1940-44), Augustin Dubail (1851-1934, French General, Commanded the First Army and Army Group East during World War I), Henri Gouraud (1867-1946, French General, Commanded the French Fourth Army at the end of World War I), Adolphe Guillaumat (1863-1940, French General who led the 1st Army Corps in 1915 and commanded the Second Army in 1916 during World War I) and Emile Fayolle (1852-1928, French General who commanded the Sixth Army at the First Battle of the Somme and later commanded the First Army during World War I). Each of the images depict the Generals standing or seated in three quarter length poses wearing their uniforms. All have the subject's name printed to the lower border and all are signed in fountain pen inks to clear areas beneath the images, most with their names alone. Neatly trimmed and two with the upper left and right corners neatly clipped. Some light age wear and very minor traces of former mounting to the versos, generally about VG, 6
Lot 119
FRENCH NAVY: Small selection of two A.Ls.S. and a signed card by various French Admirals, each of whom served in World War I, comprising Marie-Jean-Lucien Lacaze (Admiral who led a division of the Mediterranean Fleet during World War I and organised part of the Dardanelles Campaign, later Minister of the Navy 1915-17; signed card with a trimmed newspaper portrait affixed above his signature), Louis Dartige du Fournet (Admiral who served as head of the 3rd French Squadron with the task of imposing a blockade on the Turkish Fleet; disarmed the Greek Fleet in October 1916; A.L.S. on a postcard, with a small circular portrait of the Admiral affixed in the upper left corner, 30th March 1919) and Emile Paul Amable Guepratte (Admiral who led a squadron of battleships alongside the British Mediterranean Fleet and initiated Naval operations in the Dardanelles Campaign on 3rd November 1914). Some light age wear and creasing and a few other minor faults, about VG, 3
Lot 12
ROBERTS FREDERICK: (1832-1914) 1st Earl Roberts. British Field Marshal, one of the most successful Commanders of the 19th century who led the British forces to success in the Second Boer War. Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Khudaganj on 2nd January 1858 during the Indian Rebellion. A.L.S., Roberts, three pages, 8vo, Cape Town, 16th November 1904, to Clarke, on the printed stationery of Government House. Roberts sends his correspondent a photograph (no longer present) 'taken of me at P[ieter]Maritzburg - it is considered better than the one done in London' and further states 'I will not forget to let you have a copy of my “Forty-One Years in India” and also of the new Cavalry Regulations', adding that they leave today for England and are 'all very sorry to leave South Africa' as 'our visit has been intensely interesting, and we have enjoyed ourselves greatly'. Some light scuffing to the final page, directly below, although not affecting, the signature. Together with a second A.L.S., Roberts, two pages, 8vo, Englemere, Ascot, Berkshire, 8th December 1911, also to Clarke. Roberts thanks his correspondent for their letter 'with the enclosure from the officer of Police at Estcourt' and asking to be told of what expenses have been accrued. He continues 'I hope all is going on well in Natal. I cannot help feeling anxious about the future of South Africa. Botha's health is not good, and Hertzog I suspect would take his place'. With blank integral leaf. Two good letters for their references to South Africa. G to VG, 2 Louis Botha (1862-1919) South African Politician, the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa 1910-19. A hero of the Boer War, Botha was a signatory at the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902 and went on to serve as Prime Minister of the Transvaal 1907-10. In 1911, the same year as one of the present letters, Botha formed the South African Party with another Boer War hero, Jan Smuts. Regarded as being too conciliatory with Great Britain, Botha faced revolts from within his own party and opposition from the National Party led by J. B. M. Hertzog (1866-1942) South African Politician who had served as a Boer General during the Second Boer War and was to become Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa 1924-39.
Lot 120
CADORNA LUIGI: (1850-1928) Italian General and Marshal of Italy, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army 1914-17 during World War I. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Cadorna in a head and shoulders pose wearing his military uniform. Signed ('L. Cadorna') in bold black fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area at the head of the image. With an official circular purple stamp to the verso. Together with a second vintage postcard photograph of Cadorna standing in a full length pose in uniform and featuring a facsimile signature at the base of the image, signed by Cadorna in fountain pen ink to the verso with a three word Italian greeting in his hand. Also including a slim 8vo printed menu card for a banquet in honour of Cadorna at the Ristorante Balena on 24th June 1924, signed by Cadorna in dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area. Further including a fountain pen ink signature ('Generale L. Cadorna') by Cadorna on an oblong 12mo piece. Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 4
Lot 121
SAVOIA-AOSTA LUIGI AMEDEO DI: (1873-1933) Duke of the Abruzzi. Spanish Admiral who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Fleet 1914-17. The Duke was a noted mountaineer and explorer and also assisted Benito Mussolini with the Italo-Ethiopian Treaty of 1928. A.L.S., Savoia-Aosta, to the verso of a postcard photograph depicting a man riding a camel, Eritrea, February 1927, to an unidentified correspondent ('Eccelenza') in Italian and French. Savoia-Aosta writes in pencil, sending congratulations to his esteemed correspondent and acknowledging receipt of their fine speech before remarking 'don't get stuck for ever in these far-distant countries!'. A couple of very light, extremely minor corner creases, otherwise VG
Lot 125
YORK ALVIN: (1887-1964) American Sergeant of World War I, one of the most decorated United States Army soldiers of the war. York was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France, intended to breach the Hindenburg line and force a German surrender. D.S., Sgt Alvin C York, one page, slim oblong 8vo, Jamestown, Tennessee, 14th December 1933. The attractive partially printed document, which features a vignette of York, is a receipt issued by The Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute Inc. to Mr. Ellis D. Robb of Atlanta, Georgia, for the sum of $2.50. Signed by York in his capacity as President. Two very light vertical folds, one only very slightly affecting the middle initial of York's signature, otherwise VG
Lot 129
SIMS WILLIAM: (1858-1936) American Admiral, Commander of all United States naval forces operating in Europe during World War I. Brief T.L.S., Wm. S Sims, one page, 4to, Newport, Rhode Island, 10th June 1919, to Mr. M. W. Le Fevre, on the printed stationery of the U.S. Naval War College. Sims responds to his correspondent's letter and sends a photograph (no longer present) of himself 'for your collection of “The Leaders in The World War”'. Two file holes to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature. Together with Josephus Daniels (1862-1948) American Politician, United States Secretary of the Navy 1913-21 during World War I. War date T.L.S., Josephus Daniels, one page, 4to, Washington, 10th August 1917, to the Secretary of War [Newton D. Baker], on the printed stationery of the Navy Department. Daniels replies to his correspondent's letter and informs him that 'the commandants of the various navy yards and naval stations have been designated by me as the officials to whom should be forwarded for approval or disapproval the affidavits for drafted persons employed in the field service under the Navy department' and further enclosing a list (no longer present) of the commandants, navy yards and naval stations. With several official departmental stamps etc., and a few small staple holes to the upper corners. Also including an A.L.S. Roy C. Jones, by Sergeant Roy C. Jones of the 61st Transportation Corps, on a partially printed postcard, Saint-Brieuc, 15th February 1919, to his mother in Kansas City, Missouri. The American serviceman informs his mother of his new location in France and states that he is in fine health. Countersigned by Lieutenant James F. Muller and hand addressed by Jones to the verso and bearing a second signature in the return address panel. Some light age wear, generally VG, 3 Newton Baker (1871-1937) American Lawyer & Politician, United States Secretary of War 1916-21 during and immediately following World War I.
Lot 13
ROBERTS FREDERICK: (1832-1914) 1st Earl Roberts. British Field Marshal, one of the most successful Commanders of the 19th century who led the British forces to success in the Second Boer War. Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Khudaganj on 2nd January 1858 during the Indian Rebellion. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Roberts standing in a half length pose wearing his uniform and medals, including the Victoria Cross. Signed ('Roberts FM') in bold black fountain pen ink to a light area of the image. Some very slight traces of former mounting to the upper edge of the verso. Together with an original printed slim folio announcement of the Proclamation of Martial Law made by Lord Roberts in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa on 1st September 1900, number 16 of 1900 and with the Royal Arms of Queen Victoria at the head, the text printed in English and Afrikaans and stating, in part, 'Whereas the territory formerly known as the South African Republic, now the Transvaal, has been annexed by Her Majesty, and is now British Territory, and I, Frederick Sleigh, Baron Roberts of Kandahar and Waterford…..Commanding-in-Chief in South Africa, have been empowered to take all measures to make and enforce such laws as I may deem necessary for the maintenance of peace and order…..Now, therefore, I declare that the Transvaal is…..placed under Martial Law, as such Law is understood and administered in British Territory and by British Officers…..' Some light overall creasing and a few minor tears to the edges, G to VG, 2 The proclamation of Martial Law made by Lord Roberts in September 1900 came at a critical point of the second phase of the Second Boer War. With a greatly increased number of British troops under his command, Roberts had launched a successful offensive in 1900 to relieve the sieges at Ladysmith, Mafeking and Kimberley. After securing Natal and the Cape Colony Britain was able to invade the Transvaal and the republic's capital, Pretoria, was ultimately captured in June 1900. In conventional terms the War was over and, with the South African Republic formally annexed, Roberts declared as much on 3rd September 1900. However, the Boers refused to surrender, and the War entered its third phase as the Boers reverted to guerrilla warfare. Two more years of surprise attacks orchestrated by the new Generals Louis Botha, Jan Smuts, Christiaan de Wet and Koos de la Rey followed until harsh British counter-measures brought them to terms.
Lot 133
PROCTER ARTHUR: (1890-1973) British Private with the British Army, Victoria Cross winner for his actions with the 1/5th Battalion of the King's Regiment (Liverpool) at Ficheux, France, on 4th June 1916. Procter was the first British soldier to be decorated with the VC on the battlefield. A.L.S., Arthur H. Procter VC, one page, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, 31st August 1970, to Mr. Ashworth. Procter thanks his correspondent for their letter and remarks that he was disappointed to be unable to attend the Victoria Cross and George Cross reunion owing to ill health, further adding that he is enclosing a photograph (no longer present) taken when he served as a Chaplain in the Royal Air Force and commenting 'Am retired now so do not need money for the church. Also I do not want any expenses'. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, VG
Lot 134
CATHER GEOFFREY: (1890-1916) English Lieutenant of World War I, posthumous Victoria Cross winner for his actions in 'no man's land' near Hamel, France, on 1st & 2nd July 1916 at the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. Cather was killed in action at the young age of 25. An extremely rare, bold dark fountain pen ink signature ('Geoffrey Cather') and several additional words in his hand, 'As a small recognition of many kindnesses', on an oblong 12mo piece. Neatly annotated in ink in the hand Henry Harrison Hardy and lightly mounted to the front free endpaper of an edition of The Golden Treasury by Francis T. Palgrave, Second Series published by Macmillan & Co. Ltd., London, 1904. The head of the front free endpaper also bears the ownership signature of Hardy, dated Rugby, July 1908 in his hand. Autographs of Cather are extremely rare in any form as a result of his untimely death at the age of 25 during the brave action for which he awarded the Victoria Cross. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG Henry Harrison Hardy (1882-1958) British Major with the 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade during World War I. Hardy was Master to Cather at Rugby School and was also headmaster of Cheltenham College. Father of the English Actor Robert Hardy (1925-2017).
Lot 136
CAMPBELL GORDON: (1886-1953) British Vice Admiral with the Royal Navy, Victoria Cross winner for his actions in the north Atlantic, 17th February 1917. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Campbell in a formal head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and medals, including his Victoria Cross. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to the lower border. One very small pinhole to the upper border and some extremely light age wear, about VG
Lot 137
BALL ALBERT: (1896-1917) English Fighter Pilot of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 44 victories, thereby making him the fourth highest British Ace of World War I. Victoria Cross winner for his aerial actions and 'most conspicuous and consistent bravery' from 25th April - 6th May 1917. Ball was Killed in Action at the young age of 20. An extremely rare bold, dark fountain pen ink signature ('Albert Ball Junr') on a small 2 x 0.5 piece. Annotated 'V.C.' in ink in the hand of a collector beneath the signature. Together with Albert Ball (1863-1946) Lord Mayor of Nottingham, father of Albert Ball VC. T.L.S., Albert Ball, one page, 4to, The Park, Nottingham, 19th September 1923, to G. W. Morris, stating, in full, 'Some time ago I promised you an autograph of my late son Captain Ball, but have been unable to come across them. However, to-day I found his signature on a document signed when he was about 15 years of age and which I thought I would send on to you. If I drop across some of the better ones and of more recent date in the near future, I will send one on to you'. Autographs of Ball are extremely rare in any form as a result of his early death and the present example comes with impeccable provenance. Some light foxing to the left edge of the piece signed by Ball, only very slightly affecting the signature, and the letter with some light staining at the head of the page, evidently caused by previous mounting, not affecting the text or signature. G, 2
Lot 139
COOPER EDWARD: (1896-1985) English Major with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Langemarck during the Battle of Passchendaele on 16th August 1917. A signed small 4to printed souvenir copy of the citation published in the London Gazette on 14th September 1917 announcing the circumstances under which Cooper was awarded his Victoria Cross and stating, in part, 'Enemy machine guns from a concrete blockhouse…..were holding up the advance of the battalion….and were also causing heavy casualties to his own battalion. Sergeant Cooper, with four men, immediately rushed towards the blockhouse, though heavily fired on…..he ordered his men to lie down and fire at the blockhouse. Finding this did not silence the machine guns, he immediately rushed forward straight at them and fired his revolver into an opening in the blockhouse. The machine guns ceased firing and the garrison surrendered. Seven machine guns and forty-five prisoners were captured in this blockhouse. By this magnificent act of courage he undoubtedly saved what might have been a serious check to the whole advance, at the same time saving a great number of lives'. Signed twice ('E. Cooper, Major E. Cooper V.C. J.P.') by Cooper in blue ink at the base of the page and further annotated by him with the pace and date of the action as well as details of his battalion in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps etc. A few light creases, otherwise VG
Lot 148
BURGES DANIEL: (1873-1946) British Lieutenant Colonel with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions during the Battle of Doiran at Jumeaux in the Balkans on 18th September 1918. A.L.S., Dan Burges, one page, 8vo, n.p. (London?), 30th November 1926, to a Gentleman. Burges writes in his capacity as Resident Governor and Major of the Tower of London and the letter is written to the verso of a printed Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association leaflet regarding the election for annuities in November 1925. Burges responds to his correspondent's postcard of the 29th November and states, in full, 'I regret that we have no record of Anthony Baker, Gentleman Gaoler, other than that he was appointed on 24th February, 1816, and served till 4th April 1819, when his successor was appointed.' A few very light, minor creases, VG
Lot 151
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of signed 12mo clipped pieces by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising William Addison (1883-1962, English Chaplain with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Sanna-i-Yat, Mesopotamia, 9th April 1916), William Allen (1892-1933, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions near Mesnil, France, 3rd September 1916), William Amey (1881-1940, British Corporal with the British Army; awarded for his actionsat Landrecies, France, 4th November 1918), William Angus (1888-1959, Scottish Lance Corporal with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Givenchy-les-la-Bassee, France, 12th June 1915) and John C. Barrett (1897-1977, British Colonel with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Pontruet, France, 24th September 1918). Three have added VC following their signatures and some have also added their rank and regiment etc. One signature is in indelible pencil. All are neatly laid down and with some light age wear, G to about VG, 5
Lot 152
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of signed small 12mo clipped pieces and a brief A.L.S. by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Cyril Bassett (1892-1983, New Zealand Lieutenant Colonel with the New Zealand Military Forces; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Chunuk Bair on the Gallipoli Peninsula, 7th August 1915), Daniel Beak (1891-1967, British Major General with the Royal Navy; awarded for his actions at Logeast Wood, France, 21st - 25th August and 4th September 1918), William Beesley (1895-1966, British Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Bucquoy, France, 8th May 1918), Eugene P. Bennett (1892-1970, British Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions near Le Transloy, France, 5th November 1916), and Charles G. Bonner (1884-1951, British Captain with the Royal Navy; awarded for his actions in the Bay of Biscay, Atlantic, 8th August 1917). Two have added VC following their signatures. One piece is irregularly clipped and three are neatly laid down. Some light foxing and age wear, G to VG, 5
Lot 158
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo signed clipped pieces, A.L.S. (1) by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Frederick Edwards (1894-1964, Irish Corporal with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Thiepval, France, 26th September 1916), Charles Foss (1885-1953, English Brigadier with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Neuve Chapelle, France, 12th March 1915), George Evans (1876-1937, British Company Sergeant-Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Guillemont, France, during the Battle of the Somme, 30th July 1916), Edward Foster (1886-1946, British Corporal with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Villers-Plouich, Nord, France, 24th April 1917), Bernard Freyberg (1889-1963, British-born New Zealand Lieutenant General of the British Army; awarded for his actions at Beaucourt sur Ancre, France, during the final stages of the Battle of the Somme on 13th November 1916) and Cyril Frisby (1885-1961, British Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions at the Battle of the Canal du Nord near Graincourt, France, 27th September 1918). Three have added VC following their signatures, some with additional annotations including their rank and regiment etc. One signature is in pencil and most are neatly laid down. Some light foxing, G to about VG, 5
Lot 159
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of signed pieces, brief A.L.S. (1) by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Benjamin Handley Geary (1891-1976, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions on Hill 60 near Ypres, 20th - 21st April 1915), Sidney Godley (1889-1957, British Private with the British Army; awarded for his actions on the Mons-Conde Canal during the Battle of Mons, 23rd August 1914), Charles E. Garforth (1891-1973, British Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Harmingnies, France, 23rd August 1914), Viscount Gort (1886-1946, British Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions at the Battle of the Canal du Nord near Flesquieres, France, 27th November 1918), Reginald Graham (1892-1980, British Lieutenant Colonel with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Samarrah Offensive near Istabulat, 22nd April 1917) and Milton Fowler Gregg (1892-1978, Canadian Brigadier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions at the Battle of the Canal du Nord near Cambrai, Nord, France, 28th September 1918). Two have added VC following their signatures and a few have annotations in the hand of a collector. One is slightly irregularly clipped and laid down. Some light foxing, G to VG, 6
Lot 163
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo signed pieces and cards etc., by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Alan Jerrard (1897-1968, English Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Air Force; awarded for his flying actions near Mansue, Italy, 30th March 1918), Thomas A. Jones (1880-1956, British Private with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Morval, 25th September 1916), Reginald Judson (1881-1972, New Zealand Major with the New Zealand Military Forces; awarded for his actions during the Second Battle of Bapaume, 26th August 1918), William H. Clark-Kennedy (1879-1961, Scottish-born Canadian Lieutenant Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions on the Fresnes-Rouvroy line, France, 27th - 28th August 1918) and Allan Ker (1883-1958, Scottish Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions near St. Quentin, France, 21st March 1918). One of the pieces is slightly irregularly clipped, one signature is in pencil and two have added their rank and regiment alongside their signatures. One is neatly laid down. Some light age wear, about VG, 5
Lot 164
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo irregularly clipped signed pieces by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Henry Kelly (1887-1960, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Le Sars, France, 4th October 1916), John C. Kerr (1887-1963, Canadian Private with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions at Courcelette, France, 16th September 1916), Leonard Keysor (1885-1951, British-born Australian Lieutenant with the Australian Imperial Force; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Lone Pine, 6th August 1915), Filip Konowal (1888-1959, Russian-born Canadian Sergeant with the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Hill 70 in Lens, France, 22nd - 24th August 1917), and David Lauder (1894-1972, Scottish Private with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, 13th August 1915). Four have added VC following their signatures and some have also added their rank and regiment. Three are neatly laid down. Some light age wear, G to about VG, 5
Lot 165
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo clipped signed pieces by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Gordon Thomson Lyall (1892-1941, English-born Canadian Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions during the Battle of the Canal du Nord north of Cambrai, France, 27th September 1918), John McAulay (1888-1956, Scottish Policeman, a Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Cambrai at Fontaine Notre Dame, France, 27th November 1917), John MacGregor (1889-1952, Scottish-Canadian Lieutenant Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions during the Battle of the Canal du Nord near Cambrai, France, 29th September - 3rd October 1918), David Lowe MacIntyre (1895-1967, Scottish Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions near Henin and Fontaine-les-Croiselles, France, 24th & 27th August 1918), and Cyril Martin (1891-1980, English Brigadier with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Spanbroekmolen on the Messines Ridge, Belgium, 12th March 1915). One has added VC alongside their signature, and a few have added their ranks or regiments. One signature is in pencil. A couple are irregularly clipped and all are neatly laid down. Some light age wear, G to about VG, 5
Lot 166
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo irregularly clipped signed pieces, album page (1) by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Edgar Myles (1894-1977, British Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Sanna-i-Yat, Mesopotamia, 9th April 1916), James Ockendon (1890-1966, British Company Sergeant Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions east of Langemarck, Belgium, 4th October 1917), Michael James O'Rourke (1878-1957, Irish-Canadian Private with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions at Hill 70 near Lens, France, 15th - 17th August 1917), Frederick W. Palmer (1891-1955, British Wing Commander with the Royal Air Force; awarded for his actions north of Courcelette, France, 16th - 17th February 1917) and Arthur Poulter (1893-1956, British Private with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Erquinghem-Lys, France, 10th April 1918). Three have added VC following their signatures and some have also added their rank and regiment. Three are neatly laid down. Some light foxing and age wear, G to about VG, 5
Lot 167
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo irregularly clipped signed pieces by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Robert Quigg (1885-1955, Irish Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions at the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916), Lionel Rees (1884-1955, Welsh Group Captain with the Royal Air Force; awarded for his aerial actions during the Somme Offensive at Double Crassieurs, France, 1st July 1916), Thomas Rendle (1884-1946, British Sergeant of the British Army; awarded for his actions near Wulverghem, Belgium, 20th November 1914), Alfred J. Richards (1879-1953, British Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25th April 1915) and Walter Potter Ritchie (1892-1965, Scottish Drum-Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions north of Beaumont Hamel, France, 1st July 1916). One signature is in bold pencil, one in indelible pencil, and most have added VC following their signatures, some also adding their rank and regiment. Three are neatly laid down. Some light age wear, G to about VG, 5
Lot 168
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo irregularly clipped signed pieces and a brief T.L.S. by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Jackie Smyth (1893-1983, British Brigadier with the British Army; awarded for his actions near Richebourg L'Avoue, 18th May 1915), Issy Smith (1890-1940, British-Australian Sergeant with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Second Battle of Ypres, 26th April 1915), Arthur Fleming-Sandes (1894-1961, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, France, 29th September 1915), Charles Rutherford (1892-1989, Canadian Captain with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions during the 4th Battle of the Scarpe near Monchy, France, 26th August 1918), and Percy Stratton (1890-1959, Australian Lieutenant with the Australian Imperial Force; awarded for his actions near Proyart, close to the bank of the Somme River, France, 10th - 12th August 1918). Two have added VC following their signatures and a few have also added their rank and regiment etc. Some light foxing, G to VG, 5
Lot 169
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of signed clipped 12mo pieces by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Harcus Strachan (1884-1982, Scottish-born Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel with the Canadian Expeditionary Force; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Cambrai at Masnieres, France, 20th November 1917), George Stringer (1889-1957, British Private with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Battle of Es Sinn at Kut-el-Amara, 8th March 1916), James Towers (1897-1977, British Private in the British Army; awarded for his actions at Mericourt, France, 6th October 1918), Alfred Toye (1897-1955, British Brigadier with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Eterpigny Ridge, France, 25th March 1918), and Edward Unwin (1864-1950, British Commodore with the Royal Navy; awarded for his actions at V Beach, beneath Sedd el Bahr at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, 25th April 1915). Two have added VC following their names and one signature is faded. Three are neatly laid down. Some light age wear, G to VG, 5
Lot 170
VICTORIA CROSS: Selection of small 12mo clipped signed pieces, album page (1) by various recipients of the Victoria Cross comprising Geoffrey Vickers (1894-1982, British Colonel of the British Army; awarded for his actions at Hohenzollern Redoubt, France, 14th October 1915), Arnold Waters (1886-1981, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions during the Second Battle of the Sambre near Ors, France, 4th November 1918), Samuel Wallace (1892-1968, Scottish Captain with the British Army; awarded for his actions at Gonnelieu, France, 30th November 1917), Freddie West (1896-1988, British Air Commodore with the Royal Flying Corps; awarded for his aerial actions north-east of Roye, France, 12th August 1918) and Geoffrey Woolley (1892-1968, British Major with the British Army; awarded for his actions on Hill 60, south-east of Ypres, 20th - 21st April 1915). Some have added their ranks alongside their signatures and one signature is in pencil. Two are neatly laid down. Some light age wear, G to VG, 5
Lot 172
VICTORIA CROSS: A printed 8vo programme for an Early Evening Reception on the occasion of the Seventh Reunion of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association hosted by the Corporation of London in The Egyptian Hall of The Mansion House on 10th June 1970, individually signed to the back cover and an inside page by three Victoria Cross winners of World War I comprising John Vincent Holland (1889-1975, Irish Lieutenant with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Guillemont, France, on 3rd September 1916 during the Somme Offensive), William Allison White (1894-1974, British Second Lieutenant with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Gouzeaucourt, France, on 18th September 1918) and David Lauder (1894-1972, Scottish Private with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, on 13th August 1915). All have signed in bold blue or black inks, each adding VC etc. alongside their signatures. Neatly annotated in ink in the hand of a collector. Together with a signed and inscribed Christmas greetings card by David Lauder, the official 8vo folding card issued by The Victoria and George Cross Association and bearing colour images of the decorations to the cover and further images of Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill and John Smyth VC to the inside, signed ('David Ross Lauder V.C.') by Lauder in bold black ink to the inside and inscribed to Mr and Mrs Bill Dean with an additional greeting in his hand, 1971. Some very light, minor staining and age wear, otherwise VG, 2
Lot 173
VICTORIA CROSS: A printed 8vo menu for the Second Reunion Dinner of The Victoria Cross Association and Associate Members of The George Cross at the Cafe Royal, London, on 7th July 1960, individually signed to the back cover by various Victoria Cross and George Cross winners etc., some awarded during World War I, comprising Cyril Frisby (1885-1961, English Captain with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at the Battle of Canal du Nord on 27th September 1918), William McNally (English Sergeant with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at the Plave River in Italy on 27th October 1918), Edward Cooper (1896-1985, English Major with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Langemarck during the Battle of Passchendaele on 16th August 1917), Robert Cruickshank (1888-1961, Anglo-Canadian Major with the British Army during World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions east of the Jordan River in Palestine on 1st May 1918), Ian Fraser (1920-2008, English Diving Pioneer, Victoria Cross winner for his actions in the Straits of Johore, Singapore, on 31st July 1945), Thomas Alder (1907-1973, British Lance Sergeant, George Cross winner for his actions during anti-piratical duties in China on 16th November 1930), Odette Hallowes (1912-1995, British Intelligence officer of World War II, a member of the Special Operations Executive and George Cross winner) and Jim Orr (1917-2008, British Police officer, Private Secretary to the Duke of Edinburgh 1957-70). All have signed in bold blue or black inks, two adding VC etc. in their hands following their signatures. Some light staining and minor age wear, about VG
Lot 174
VICTORIA CROSS: An extremely rare printed 4to programme for the British Legion Festival of Empire and Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 11th November 1929 individually signed by thirty-two Victoria Cross winners, the majority of whom received their award for actions during World War I. The signatures, all in bold pencil, appear across two facing pages inside the programme and comprise Eugene Bennett (1892-1970, English Captain with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near Le Transloy, France, on 5th November 1916), Oliver Brooks (1889-1940, English Sergeant with the British Army. VC winner for his actions near Loos, France, on 8th October 1915), Alfred Burt (1895-1962, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Cuinchy, France, on 27th September 1915 on the third day of the Battle of Loos), John Collins (1880-1951, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Wadi Saba, Beersheba, Palestine, on 31st October 1917 during the Battle of Beersheba), Joseph Davies (1889-1976, English Staff-Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Delville Wood, France, on 20th July 1916), George Evans (1876-1937, English Company Sergeant-Major with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Guillemont, France, on 30th July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme), William Forshaw (1890-1943, English Major with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Gallipoli, Turkey, on 7th - 9th August 1915), William Fuller (1884-1974, Welsh Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near Chivy-sur-Aisne, France, on 14th September 1914), Viscount Gort (1886-1946, English Field Marshal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near Flesquieres, France, on 27th September 1918 at the Battle of the Canal du Nord), Milton Gregg (1892-1978, Canadian Brigadier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, VC winner for his actions near Cambrai, Nord, France, on 28th September 1918 at the Battle of the Canal du Nord), Jack Harvey (1891-1940, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions north of Peronne, France, on 2nd September 1918), James Hewitson (1892-1963, English Corporal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Givenchy, France, on 26th April 1918), John Hogan (1884-1983, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near Festubert, France, on 29th October 1914), Frederick Holmes (1889-1969, English Captain with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Le Cateau, France, on 26th August 1914), Charles Hull (1890-1953, English Corporal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Hafiz Kor on the North West Frontier of British India, on 5th September 1915), Arthur Hutt (1889-1954, English Corporal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Terrier Farm, south-east of Poelcapelle, Belgium, on 4th October 1917, at the Battle of Passchendaele), Edgar Inkson (1872-1947, English Colonel with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Hart's Hill, Colenso, South Africa, on 24th February 1900 during the Second Boer War), Gilbert Insall (1894-1972, British Group Captain with the Royal Air Force, VC winner for his flying actions over Achiet-le-Grand, France, on 7th November 1915), Ishar Singh (1895-1963, Indian Captain with the Indian Army, VC winner for his actions near Haidari Kach on 10th April 1921 during the Warzirstan Campaign; Singh was the first Sikh to receive a Victoria Cross), Thomas Kenny (1882-1948, English Lance Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near La Houssoie, France, on 4th November 1915), Hubert Lewis (1896-1977, Welsh Private with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Macukovo on the Salonika Front, on 22nd/23rd October 1916), James Pitts (1877-1955, English Corporal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Caesar's Camp, Natal, on 6th January 1900, during the Second Boer War), Arthur Poulter (1893-1956, English Private with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Erquinghem-Lys, France, on 10th April 1918), Lionel Rees (1884-1955, Welsh Group Captain with the Royal Air Force, a Flying Ace officially credited with eight victories. VC winner for his aerial actions at Double Crassieurs, France, on 1st July 1916 during the first hours of the Somme Offensive), Charles Robertson (1879-1954, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions west of Polderhoek Chateau, Belgium, on 8th - 9th March 1918), Charles Spackman (1891-1969, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Marcoing, France, on 20th November 1917), James Towers (1897-1977, English Private with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Mericourt, France, on 6th October 1918), Arthur Vickers (1882-1944, English Sergeant with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at Hulloch, France, on 25th September 1915), Jack White (1896-1949, English Lance-Corporal with the British Army, VC winner for his actions on the Dialah River, Mesopotamia, on 7th - 8th March 1917; White was the General Manager and subsequent owner of the Manchester clothing fashion company now known as Private White V.C. and currently owned and managed by his great grandson), William Williams (1890-1965, Welsh Seaman with the Royal Navy, VC winner for his actions on board the Q ship HMS Pargust in the Atlantic Ocean on 7th June 1917), Wilfred Wood (1897-1982, English Private with the British Army, VC winner for his actions near Casa Van, Italy, on 28th October 1918 during the Battle of Vittorio Veneto) and Joseph Woodall (1896-1962, English Captain with the British Army, VC winner for his actions at La Pannerie, France, on 22nd April 1918). Also signed by Helen Lilian Wilcot Carter (d. 1954, widow of Herbert Augustine Carter 1874-1916, English Major with the British Indian Army, VC winner for his actions at Jidballi, British Somaliland on 19th December 1903 during the Third Somaliland Expedition). The majority of the signatories have added VC alongside their signatures, many also adding their ranks and regiments etc. A most impressive and highly desirable gathering of Victoria Cross signatories. Some light overall creasing and age wear, otherwise about VG
Lot 175
GARROS ROLAND: (1888-1918) French Pioneer Aviator, a Fighter Pilot during World War I. Garros was killed in action at the young age of 29. A rare A.L.S., Garros, one page, oblong 4to, Meudon, 1st September 1914, to Romain, on the printed stationery of the Ermitage de Villebon, in French. Garros states that his correspondent's note came as a pleasant surprise and continues 'I will do my best to have you appointed as a mechanic on my device: because I only have one at the moment', further adding 'I don't know if I'll succeed, but I'll keep you informed'. Autographs of Garros are rare as a result of his untimely death when he was shot down a month before the end of the war. Some very light, extremely minor creasing and a couple of very small stains, otherwise VG The difficulty of mounting a forward-firing machine gun on combat aircraft had been a problem considered by various individuals, Garros one of them, in the early stages of aerial fighting during World War I. It is possible that the present letter relates to this and the device Garros refers to may have been associated with the metal deflector wedges which the fighter pilot had attached to the propeller blades of his Morane-Saulnier Type L aircraft in 1914. Garros achieved the first ever shooting down of an aircraft by a fighter firing through a tractor propeller on 1st April 1915 and two further victories over German aircraft occurred later in the same month.
Lot 178
MILLER ALLISTER: (1892-1951) South African Lieutenant Colonel with the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, an aviation pioneer who made significant contributions to both military and civil aviation in South Africa during the first half of the 20th century. Dark fountain pen ink signature ('Allister M Miller') with two printed words beneath on a slim oblong 12mo piece. Together with a curious T.L.S., by both 'Fowke F.M.' and 'Barton C in C' individually, one page, folio, n.p. (Swaziland?), n.d. (c.1900), to Lieutenant Allister Miller, ('2nd in command, The Lebombo Looters, Queen of Swazieland's Own Highlanders'). The humorous letter states, in full, 'Through the Officer Commanding the distinguished Corps to which you have the honour to belong, it has come to notice that on his departure from Headquarters, Barberton, you failed to forward by him the customary greetings. As this is considered by two Field Officers to be an act of gross insubordination, you are informed with regret that it will be found necessary to make a full Report of your regrettable misconduct to the Most Noble the Baron, Military Governor of Swazieland. As, however, it is not desired to exercise excessive severity in this case, the matter might be re-considered if a satisfactory explanation and apology were received at an early date. We are to inform you that in recognition of your services to date unprejudiced for the present by the above irregularity, you are appointed a Companion of the 23rd Class of the Order of the Most Egregious Ping-Pong.' Signed by the supposed Field Marshal and Commander-in-Chief at the conclusion and with ink annotations in an unidentified hand beneath the signatures identifying the 'Field Marshal' as 'afterwards Sir George Fowke KCB, General Commanding Royal Marines….' and the 'Commander-in-Chief' as 'afterwards General Barton, Royal Marines'. Some light age wear to the letter and two extremely small areas of paper loss to the left edge, not affecting the text or signatures, G to VG, 2 Provenance: The letter included in the present lot was previously part of the Ray Rawlins collection and a photocopied note in his hand relating to the letter identifies Fowke as being Lieutenant General Sir George Henry Fowke (1864-1936) British Army officer who served in the Second Boer War (and was present at the Defence of Ladysmith) and later served on the staff of the British Expeditionary Force during World War I.
Lot 18
FRANCIS OF TECK: (1870-1910) British Prince, brother of Queen Mary. A Major with the Royal Dragoons, Prince Francis served in South Africa during the Second Boer War. A scarce war date D.S., Francis of Teck DAAG, in his capacity as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, one page, oblong 8vo, Pretoria, 25th August 1900. The manuscript document, completed on a partially printed Army Form, is in the form of a memorandum and states, in full, 'Mr. Roxburgh has permission to take three Boer ponies and place them on the market in Pretoria for sale'. With a holograph note to the verso, presumably in the hand of Roxburgh, stating that two of the ponies have been sold at public auction and naming the purchasers. Autographs of Francis of Teck are scarce in any form as a result of his untimely death at the age of 40. Some light overall age wear and creasing, G
Lot 180
CLAXTON WILLIAM: (1899-1967) Canadian Fighter Pilot of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 37 victories. A.L.S., W G Claxton, one page, 8vo, Montreal, 24th August 1933, to Ashley T. Cole. Claxton states that he was sorry to have missed his correspondent on a recent visit and continues 'Hope I have the pleasure of seeing your work when it reaches completion'. With blank integral leaf. Together with Gerald Birks (1894-1991) Canadian Fighter Pilot of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 12 victories. A.L.S., Gerald A. Birks, two pages, 8vo, Toronto, Ontario, 15th March 1984, to Richard. Birks sends his correspondent a photograph, explaining that it was taken in London in July 1918 'as I was returning to Canada after serving (on Sopwith Camels) in 66 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps in Italy'. Birks continues to write of one of his aerial fights when Hungarian Ace Jozsef Kiss was shot down and killed, 'On May 4th 1918 four of us were on patrol near the Piave River lead by a pilot from British Columbia, Canada. It was nearly time for us to return to our air field when we saw a flight of six enemy aircraft coming towards us. It was followed by another flight of six aircraft. They were at least two thousand feet above us. Our leader immediately began to climb towards them. They were still about us when we made contact. We shot down six of them: and we all got home. Although one of our machines was badly shot-up the uuuuuuu was not wounded. We were all experienced pilots, and our machines were not heavy with fuel - so they were very manouverable (sic)'. A letter of good content. Also including the signed photograph referred to, a 5 x 7 reproduction image of Birks in a head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform. Signed in blue ink to the base of the image, also adding '66 Sqd. R.F.C. Italy 1918' in his hand alongside his signature. A couple of very light, minor stains to the edge of Claxton's letter, VG, 3 Jozsef Kiss (1896-1918) Austro-Hungarian Lieutenant of World War I, a Flying Ace credited with 19 victories thereby making him the most successful Hungarian Ace of World War I. Kiss was killed in action at the young age of 22 when he was shot down by Gerald Birks.
Lot 181
ALEXANDER WILLIAM: (1897-1988) Canadian Captain of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 22 victories. A.L.S., W. M. Alexander, three pages (onion skin paper), 4to, Toronto, 29th January 1962, to Mr. Russell. Alexander sends his apologies for not having answered his correspondent's letters earlier although adds that he did not entirely forget his requests and has 'picked up a few pictures from various sources from which I am having negatives made', although adding that such pictures are hard to locate. He continues 'I've also located my log books and hope from them to be able to give you a fairly complete story of those hectic days of 1917-18' and also states 'Glancing quickly over your letters my observation would be that you have little information of the personnel that comprised No. 10 when we went down to the Ypres front in May 1917 - for instance you don't mention Reid, Sharman….Page, Keens, FitzGibbon, Parker….and others whose names I haven't before me at the moment. These I will give when I compile them from my log and what happened to them'. Some light overall creasing, about VG Alexander served with No. 10 (Naval) Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I and the first seventeen of his aerial victories were made whilst flying Sopwith Camels or Triplanes with them.
Lot 182
BOTTERELL HENRY: (1896-2003) Canadian Fighter Pilot of World War I with the Royal Naval Air Service and later the Royal Air Force, who, at the time of his death (aged 106) is believed to have been the last surviving pilot in the world to have seen action in the Great War. A colour 28 x 19 Limited Edition print entitled Balloon Buster by artist Robert Taylor, the image depicting Botterell flying an RFC Sopwith Camel having just destroyed a German observation balloon, his sole air victory of the war, near Arras on 29th August 1918. Signed in bold pencil to the lower border by Henry Botterell, and also by artist Robert Taylor.Limited Edition numbered 70/600. Attractively matted in black, grey and light grey to incorporate the embroidered wings of the Royal Flying Corps beneath the signatures and framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 37 x 28. EX
Lot 183
LUSSIER EMILE JOHN: (1895-1974) American Captain with the Royal Air Force during World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with eleven victories. An interesting T.L.S., E J Lussier, two pages, 4to, Treemont Farm, Westminster, Maryland, 9th February 1968, to Mr. R. Calow. Lussier writes concerning his aviation career during World War I, stating, in part, 'My outfit, seventy three Sopwith Camel squadron was primarily a ground staffing squadron and only got higher into the sky on offensive patrols or bombing escort when there was no action on the ground and as we flew much of the time under a protective cover we did not have much opportunity to become "Big Aces"....I consider myself to be the Wars unsung hero. As a class we hated all the so called Aces on the theory that we did all the dirty work and they got all the hero worship..…' further making reference to Manfred von Richthofen, 'he generally flew at the head of what they called Richovens (sic) Circus and the Baron was the only one who was allowed to take a crack at anything else in the air while the remainder of the circus just protected him. As there were generally about fifty planes in his circus we did not tangle with them any more than necessary. He was shot down three times during the War but always on his own side of the lines and I had never heard of him coming over onto our side till the day he was shot down and killed. He had been taking a shot at an observation Balloon and everyone since has been wondering what he was doing on our side all alone. He was shot down not more than a few miles from where our squadron was stationed at the time by a Toronto Canada Pilot who was given credit for the kill. Now I understand that the infantry who was also shooting at him at the time are trying to claim that they shot him down' and recounting a heroic flying experience, 'I could not keep up with the rest of my squadron and was flying about five thousand feet below them when I was attacked by six German Fockers (sic) These Fokers (sic) could out climb us, out dive us and fly faster on the level but the Camel was the most agile plane in the war. Rather than try to run away which I knew I could not do I turned on them and flew in among them....When we got back to our field I found that I had shot down three of them and the incident was mentioned in the citation when I was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross' and of another incident when he was flying alone over trenches and spotted a German, 'I took a dive at him and gave him a burst...as I was making a climbing turn out of there a rifle bullet came in the right side of the cockpit hitting me on the left leg....as the bullet left the plane through the other side....it left a hole big enough to shove a tin can through. There was also a big hole in my flying boot. I could feel the blood running down into the bottom of my boot… As soon as my wheels touched ground on our field I shut off the motor and that generally meant that the pilot was wounded and the ambulance came dashing out.… They hoisted me out of the plane and on to a stretcher. They could see the big hole in my boot and they cut it off, ripped open my britches sock and heavy underwear. I had just one big welt across my shin and possibly a teaspoon of blood… It took me about three months to live down the episode as every time I entered the mess after a flight someone was sure to ask me where I was wounded today.' A letter of fine content, not least for its references to Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'). Some extremely light, minor creasing, otherwise VG
Lot 185
FOULOIS BENJAMIN: (1879-1967) American General who flew the first military planes purchased by the Wright Brothers. Foulois achieved many military aviation 'firsts', including becoming the first military aviator as an airship pilot, and led the strategic development of the Air Force in the United States. During World War I Foulois served as Chief of Air Service for the American Expeditionary Forces. A good vintage signed 8 x 10 photograph of Foulois standing outdoors in a three quarter length pose, wearing his uniform and with his aircraft in the immediate background. An official US Army Signal Corps image and bearing their blindstamp to the lower right corner. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to a light area of the image, adding his rank and the date, 29th October 1942, in his hand beneath his signature. Neatly annotated in ink in the hand of a collector to the lower white border and further annotated to the verso indicating that the photograph was originally taken at Colombey-les-Belles on 28th July 1918. Together with a 7 x 9.5 page removed from a book featuring a reproduction of a drawing of Foulois by Joseph Cummings Chase, executed in France in 1918, the image depicting the aviator in a profile head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform. Signed by Foulois in bold blue fountain pen ink to the lower white border, adding his rank in his hand beneath his signature. Also including a T.L.S., B D Foulois, one page, 4to, Washington, 28th May 1934, to M. E. Gilford, Assistant to the Director of the U.S. George Washington Bicentennial Commission, on the printed stationery of the Office of the Chief of the Air Corps at the War Department. Foulois apologises for his correspondent's letters having been mislaid within his office, explaining 'My only excuse for this may be laid to the fact that my office has been rather upset for the past three months, due to considerable reorganization which was necessary as a result of Air Mail activities and other matters'. A light crease runs across the lower left corner of the photograph, otherwise generally VG, 3
Lot 19
BADEN-POWELL ROBERT: (1857-1941) British Lieutenant-General, famous for his successful defence at the Siege of Makeking in 1899 during the Second Boer War. First Inspector-General of the South African Constabulary and later the founder and first Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts Association. A.L.S., R Baden Powell, one page, 8vo, Johannesburg, 27th January 1902, to Mrs. Finlayson, on the printed stationery of the South African Constabulary. Baden-Powell thanks his correspondent for their 'very kind thoughts in sending me the charming reminders of Xmas' and also for her good wishes. Some traces of former mounting to the upper edge of the verso, a small tear to the lower edge and a few light creases, the latter slightly affecting the signature, G The South African Constabulary was a parliamentary force under the control of the British Army. Set up in 1900, its role was to police areas captured from the two independent Boer republics of Transvaal and Orange Free State during the Second Boer War.
Lot 192
HINDENBURG PAUL VON: (1847-1934) German Generalfeldmarschall and Statesman who commanded the German military during the second half of World War I in his capacity as Chief of the German General Staff 1916-19. President of the German Reich 1925-34. A very fine vintage signed sepia 8 x 11.5 photograph, the image being a reproduction of a painting of Hindenburg in a half length pose wearing his uniform and medals including the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. Signed ('von Hindenburg') in bold dark fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount beneath a holograph sentiment, in German, reading 'In grateful memory of the gallant deaths in action of the Airmen and Airshipmen!'. A couple of very light, minor stains and a slight crease to the photographer's mount, not affecting the image, sentiment or signature. About VG
Lot 193
HINDENBURG PAUL VON: (1847-1934) German Generalfeldmarschall and Statesman who commanded the German military during the second half of World War I in his capacity as Chief of the German General Staff 1916-19. President of the German Reich 1925-34. Brief A.N.S., von Hindenburg, one page, oblong 8vo, Oldenburg, 24th April 1895. Hindenburg writes in his capacity as a Colonel with the 91st Regiment of the Oldenburgisches Infantry and requests that an item be returned to the 37th Infantry Brigade. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG
Lot 194
LUDENDORFF ERICH: (1865-1937) German General of World War I. First Quartermaster-General of the German General Staff 1916-18, thereby making him the leader, along with Paul von Hindenburg, of the German war efforts during World War I. War date Autograph Telegram Signed, Ludendorff, one page, 4to, Headquarters, 5th May 1915, to the Commander of the Army, in German. The partially printed document features Ludendorff's bold pencil message at the centre, stating, in full, 'General von Sauberzweig requests an assignment as Division Commander. He is very capable of assuming this position. If it is decided to honour his request please name Captain Buchholz Quartermaster'. With a typed transcript in German beneath and various dockets etc. in other hands. Four file holes to the left edge and some light creasing and one small tear to the right edge, none of which affect the text or signature, otherwise VG Traugott von Sauberzweig (1863-1920) Prussian Generalleutnant who served with the German Army on both the Eastern and Western Fronts during World War I. Sauberzweig served as military governor of Brussels at the time of Edith Cavell's execution in 1915.
Lot 198
GERMAN MILITARY: Selection of A.Ls.S. (some on Feldpostkartes), T.L.S. (1) etc., by various German military leaders, all of whom served in World War I, comprising Karl v. Lewinski (Generalmajor, Commander of the 211th Infantry Division), Arnold Lequis (Generalmajor, Commander of the 12th Infantry Division, awarded the Mérite (Blue Max) in 1917; form letter printed on a correspondence card, sending thanks for the congratulatory message on his 80th birthday, with a holograph line of text and signature at the conclusion, 1941), Georg von der Marwitz (General der Kavallierie who commanded several German armies on both the Eastern and Western Fronts; vintage signed postcard photograph, to the verso, 1917), Walter Freiherr von Schleinitz (Generalleutnant, Commander of the 4th (Queen Augusta) Guards Grenadiers, 1918; A.L.S. in answer to a request for his signature, 'I must....mention that I am not numbered among the most celebrated military commanders', 8th December 1917), Ludwig Freiherr v. Willisen (Major with the 14th Army), Friedrich Freiherr Kress von Kressenstein (General posted to the military mission in Turkey in 1914 who conceived and promoted the attack on the Suez Canal that opened hostilities on the Palestine Front in 1915) and Friedrich von Scholtz (2; General of the Artillery. Commander of the 20th Corps and the 8th Army on the Eastern Front and later Commander of the Army Group Scholtz on the Macedonian Front, awarded the Mérite (Blue Max) in 1917). Some light age wear, generally VG, 8
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