LOERZER BRUNO: (1891-1960) German Hauptmann of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 44 victories. Loerzer was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) and also served during World War II when he rose to the rank of Generaloberst and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Loerzer in a half length pose wearing his uniform and medals. Pubished by Willi Sanke of Berlin during World War I, numbered 616 and with a printed caption at the base. Signed ('Loerzer, Oberleutnant') in dark fountain pen ink to the base of the image. Some very light, extremely minor silvering to the lower edges, VG
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GERLICH MARTIN: (1892-1920) German Oberleutnant of World War I, an adjutant and observer affiliated with the Kagohl 3 squadron. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Gerlich in a three quarter length pose wearing his uniform and cap. Published by Willi Sanke of Berlin during World War I, numbered 388 and with a printed caption at the base. Signed in dark fountain pen ink to the image and dated 3rd March 1917 in his hand. With an A.L.S. M. Gerlich, to the verso, in German, briefly referring to his current profession and expressing his pleasure at granting his correspondent's wish. Some light silvering to the lower edges, VG
SECOND BOER WAR: A Manuscript D.S. by Campbell, a war correspondent working with The Laffan News Bureau of London on behalf of The New York Sun, one page, 4to, Vereeniging, 27th May n.y. (1900), on the printed stationery of the London office of The New York Sun. Written in purple indelible pencil, Campbell's document was written for the purposes of being telegraphed to the newspaper editor and gives a report on the recent military activities in South Africa during the Second Boer War, stating, in part, 'Saturday advanced guard mounted infantry crossed Vaal, Captain Hardy seventh yeomanry 20 men approached station where train stood 80 Boers sniped from Mealy Field. Sending for guns gave enemy chance starting train immediate after crossing bridge blew up……Pilkington commanding Carew's Mounted Infantry West Australians, Prince Alfred's Guard, Struben's Scouts went Saturday morning Engelbrecht's drift finding 600-800 Boers opposing Roberts sent Gordons Cavalry Brigade guns next morning attacked but held superior force…..French fighting today few miles north driving Boers hither'. With a rubber stamped Passed press censor mark at the base featuring the facsimile signature of Edward Stanley (1865-1948) 17th Earl of Derby, British Soldier, Diplomat and Politician who served as Chief Press Censor at Cape Town during the Second Boer War. Some light overall damp staining, only very slightly affecting the text (which remains completely legible) and signature and with some traces of former mounting to the verso, G Following the crossing by Lord Roberts and the main British Army into the Transvaal from the Orange Free State in May 1900 important railway junctions and stations fell to the British in rapid succession and, as the present document testifies, on 27th May 1900 the British Army Headquarters occupied the railway station at Vereeniging.
RICHTHOFEN MANFRED VON: (1892-1918) German Rittmeister of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 80 victories, thereby making him the highest scoring Fighter Ace of World War I. Richthofen, known as 'The Red Baron' and considered the ace-of-aces, was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max), the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern and the Iron Cross. Richthofen was Killed in Action at the young age of 25. An extremely rare vintage signed postcard photograph of 'The Red Baron' in a formal head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and an array of medals including the Pour le Mérite. Published by Willi Sanke of Berlin during World War II, numbered 450 and with a printed caption at the head and base. Signed ('Frhr. v. Richthofen') in bold, dark fountain pen ink to the verso at the conclusion of a note written in an unidentified hand, in German, stating, in full, 'Warmest thanks - belatedly - for your kind letter. In answer to your request, herewith a photograph and signature'. The same unidentified hand has added Richthofen's rank ('Captain and Commander II Fighter Sqn') beneath the signature and also added the place ('On Active Service') and date, 12th April 1917. Autographs of Richthofen are extremely rare in any form as a result of his early death and remain exceptionally desirable. Some very light, extremely minor silvering and age wear to the image and one minor crease to the centre of the right edge of the image, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VGRichthofen signed the present photograph in between his 40th victory on 11th April 1917 over Willerval, France and his 41st, 42nd and 43rd victories on 13th April 1917, all of which also occurred in the Hauts-de-Framce region of France.
BOEHME ERWIN: (1879-1917) German Oberleutnant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 24 victories. Boehme was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) and was a close friend and military subordinate to Oswald Boelcke (becoming inadvertently responsible for the Ace's death) and was also a contemporary of and subordinate to Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'). Boehme was Killed in Action at the young age of 38. A rare autograph envelope signed ('Bohme') in the return address to the verso, also hand addressed by Boehme to the recto to Erwin Albrecht in Berlin and marked Feldpost in his hand to the upper edge. With two postal cancellations. Autographs of Boehme are rare in any form as a result of his early death. Some very light, extremely minor age wear and creasing, about VG
BOEHME ERWIN: (1879-1917) German Oberleutnant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 24 victories. Boehme was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) and was a close friend and military subordinate to Oswald Boelcke (becoming inadvertently responsible for the Ace's death) and was also a contemporary of and subordinate to Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'). Boehme was Killed in Action at the young age of 38. An extremely rare A.L.S., Bohme, two pages, small 4to, n.p. ('On active service'), 10th November 1917, to Herr Voss, father of Werner Voss, in German. Boehme informs his correspondent that he had intended to thank him personally for his kind letter during a recent short stay in Dusseldorf, but had learned that his correspondent was away at the time, and continues 'I wanted also to ask you to give us - for the whole squadron, which thinks of Werner with unmixed affection - a good photograph of him (if possible, a good enlargement).' Boehme further states 'Recently, I made an Englishman do a force landing. He was unhurt, and told me how, over on their side, they talked with genuine admiration of Werner's last air combat. Davids, a British Ace, who shot him down, has apparently himself said that, alone, he would not have been able to do so with such an opponent - the latter was, in fact, completely by himself against five'. Autograph letters of Boehme are extremely rare as a result of his early death and the present example is particularly desirable for its exceptional content and association. A couple of very light, extremely minor creases, VGWerner Voss (1897-1917) German Leutnant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 48 victories making him the fourth highest ranking German Ace of World War I (tied with Josef Jacobs). A friend and rival of his Squadron Leader Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'), Voss was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max), the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern and the Iron Cross First and Second Class. Voss was Killed in Action at the young age of 20 after his 'last stand' in opposition to a number of British Aces, including James McCudden VC and, as the present letter testifies, Arthur Rhys-Davids. Arthur Rhys-Davids (1897-1917) British Lieutenant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 27 victories. In what was one of the most famous aerial dogfights of World War I, Rhys-Davids was successful in downing Werner Voss on 23rd September 1917. The British Ace, flying with the renowned 56 Squadron including James McCudden VC, was showered with congratulations from his fellow airmen after the epic ten minute battle, however sanguinely lamented to McCudden that he wished he could have brought Voss down alive. Rhys-Davids himself was Killed in Action at the young age of 20 when he was shot down on 27th October 1917.The present letter is written just four days after Boehme had scored his twenty second aerial victory, shooting down a Camel aircraft over Molen, and less than three weeks before Boehme himself was Killed in Action on 29th November 1917, five days after having been awarded the Pour le Mérite
WOLFF KURT: (1895-1917) German Oberleutnant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 33 victories. One of Imperial Germany's highest scoring aces of the war, Wolff was awarded with the Pour le Merite (Blue Max) and the Iron Cross before being Killed in Action at the young age of 22. A rare L.S., Wolff, one page, 8vo (folding Feldpostbrief letter card), n.p., 8th May 1917, to the Hermitage Group in Tirol, in German. Wolff sends his correspondents sincere thanks for their thoughts and congratulations on his success. The partially printed verso has been completed and addressed on behalf of Wolff and details the pilot's attachment to the Richthofen Fighter Squadron. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise EX Wolff's letter is most likely written in response to congratulations he received following the award of his Pour Le Merite just a few days earlier on 4th May 1917.
SECOND BOER WAR: A small, interesting selection of manuscript items relating to the Second Boer War comprising an excellent original pen and ink sketch on an 8vo sheet of printed stationery from the Red Lion Hotel in Henley-on-Thames, the image depicting a Boer soldier standing in a full length pose wearing his uniform and with his face masked, a pistol and dagger positioned in his belt and holding a sword in one hand and a flag emblazoned with a skull and cross bones in the other. The words Masked Enemy appear at the base of the sketch along with the signature (initials only) of the unidentified artist and the date, 25th September (n.y.) in his hand. A note, also in his hand, appears at the head of the page, addressed to 'My dear Editor'; Frank Dadd (1851-1929) British Painter & Draughtsman whose subjects included various aspects of the Second Boer War. Brief war date A.L.S., Frank Dadd, one page, 8vo, Blackheath, 15th July 1901, to Frank Downing, sending his autograph in response to his correspondent's request; a partially printed D.S. by the Assistant Provost Marshal at Pretoria, one page, small oblong 8vo, Pretoria, 1st July 1901, being a Pass issued during the Second Boer War to a Miss Malan, authorising her to hand over a parcel to a Mr. Fischer, possibly a Prisoner of War; James Gage Hyde (1872- ) South African Farmer who had joined the Irish Fusiliers in action at the Battle of Nicholson's Nek on 30th October 1899 and was captured by the Boers and imprisoned at Pretoria alongside Winston S. Churchill. A war date manuscript D.S., J Gage Hyde, being a signed cheque, one page, slim oblong 8vo, Waterval Z.A.R., 30th March 1900 (just over one month after the Relief of Ladysmith). Completed entirely in Hyde's hand, the cheque is drawn on the Ladysmith branch of The Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd and is made payable to A. C. Evans for the sum of £5. Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 4
UDET ERNST: (1896-1941) German Oberleutnant of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with 62 victories, thereby making him the second highest scoring German Ace of World War I (after Manfred von Richthofen, 'The Red Baron') and the highest surviving Ace of the war. Udet was awarded with the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max), the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern and the Iron Cross First and Second Class. A Squadron Commander under Richthofen, and later Hermann Goring, Udet continued flying as a barnstormer and stunt pilot in the 1920s and 1930s and also became instrumental in the early development of the Luftwaffe. He rose to the rank of Generaloberst in World War II, although committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 45. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Udet standing outdoors in a three quarter length pose wearing a leather flying coat and holding his gauntlets in one hand. Published by Willi Sanke of Berlin during World War I, numbered 604 and with a printed caption to the head and base. Signed ('Ernst Udet') in fountain pen ink with his name alone across a light area of the image. Some silvering to the edges, otherwise VG
HAWKER LANOE: (1890-1916) British Major of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with seven victories. Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France between October 1914 and July 1915, thereby becoming the third pilot to be awarded a Victoria Cross. Hawker was shot down and killed in action at the young age of 25 on 23rd November 1916 during a dog fight with Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron') thereby becoming the German Ace's 11th victim and the first English Ace he brought down to death. An extremely rare ink signature ('L G Hawker') on a slim oblong 8vo piece, with typed rank as Major, Commanding No. 24 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. beneath. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
LEWIS DAVID G.: (1898-1978) Rhodesian Fighter Pilot of World War I. On 20th April 1918 Lewis was shot down to become the final and 80th victory claimed by Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron'). A.L.S., D. G. Lewis, one page, 8vo, Southern Rhodesia, 10th February 1928, to Mr. Reed. Lewis thanks his correspondent for their letter and states that he is 'endeavouring to collect aerial photographs from all over the world' and asks for a half dozen from their area. He continues to ask 'Is there any chance of the "Red Knight of Germany" being printed in book form' and adds that, if so, he would like to procure a copy. In a postscript Lewis writes 'Could you possibly let me have a photograph of the autographs when you have them all'. Annotated in ink in another hand to the upper left corner. Some very slight traces of former mounting to the verso and a couple of very light, minor creases, otherwise VG
CRONJE PIET: (1836-1911) South African General during the Anglo-Boer Wars of 1880-81 and 1899-1902. Following his defeat at the Battle of Paardeberg Cronje surrendered, and he and his wife were sent to St. Helena Island prisoner of war camp where they remained until the peace negotiations were concluded in 1902. Fountain pen ink signature ('P. A. Cronje') on a slim oblong 8vo piece neatly removed from the conclusion of an official document, dated Klerksdorp, 1st September 1892. Countersigned by W. H. Neethling, a Special Magistrate, and bearing his official circular purple stamp. Annotated in pencil to the verso by the noted autograph collector Ray Rawlins, observing that Cronje's signature is 'rare'. A couple of very light, extremely minor stains, not affecting the signatures, otherwise VG
HARTNEY HAROLD: (1888-1947) Canadian-born American Lieutenant Colonel of World War I, a Flying Ace officially credited with seven victories. Hartney claimed to have been shot down by Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron') although is not officially recognised as one of his victims. Hartney commanded the 27th Aero Squadron which included the American Fighter Ace Frank Luke (1897-1918) who was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor. A.L.S., Harold E. Hartney, Lt. Col., Air Corps (Reserve)', one page, 4to, Great Neck, Long Island, 1st March 1928, to Mr. Reed. Hartney states that it gives him great pleasure to reply to his correspondent's letter requesting an autograph and continues 'Assuming you are an admirer of that gallant young officer I am doubly pleased....'. A typed annotation appears in the lower left corner of the letter. Some light overall creasing and a few minor traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise VG
BLUNDEN EDMUND: (1896-1974) English Poet, Author and Critic who, like his friend Siegfried Sassoon, wrote of his experiences during World War I in both verse and prose. A.L.S., E. Blunden, one page, 8vo, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, 20th October 1965, to [A. P.] Ryan. Blunden states that he was pleased to have received a copy of Critics who have Influenced Taste and to discover that his correspondent and Elizabeth Bowen have increased the interest of the collection, remarking 'Indeed the book is an addition to the critical resources here, and the idea behind it was a happy one'. The poet further writes 'Some days ago there came a book, "The Battle of the Marne" by Henri Isselion. with a note that a letter from you would follow. If it was posted, I have not had it; so I still await instructions'. Together with John Sparrow (1906-1992) English Academic & Bibliophile, Warden of All Souls College, Oxford, 1952-77. T.L.S., John Sparrow, one page, 4to, All Souls College, Oxford, 23rd May 1961, to A. P. Ryan. Sparrow thanks his correspondent for their letter about Siegfried Sassoon and continues 'I do admire him and his work, and I hope he will be worthily obituarised in The Times - and that the obituary will not be needed for a long time', further remarking 'And it pleases me that you should turn to me for the text. But I wonder if I can persuade you to turn elsewhere? My reasons are (i) that I don't do these things well unless I do them spontaneously, and I should have to make an effort in this case; much though I admire him, I am not sure that I admire him quite enough, or in just the right way; (ii) I am snowed up, or even under, with things undone, which will fully occupy me for weeks or months to come; (iii) I know of someone who admires S.S. even more than I do, and who would (I know) be eager to undertake this particular "obit", and who would do it extremely well: Colin Fenton....', further providing Fenton's address and remarking 'He is a friend of Sassoon and an ardent collector of his works'. One staple to the upper left corner of Blunden's letter and a neat ink annotation at the head of Sparrow's letter, and both with light age wear. About VG, 2 Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967) English Poet, Writer and Soldier who was decorated for bravery on the Western Front during World War I. Sassoon died at the age of 80 on 1st September 1967, some six years after Sparrow's letter. Colin Fenton (1929-1982) English Wine Merchant and friend of Sassoon. Fenton did indeed write the poet's obituary for The Times Alfred Patrick Ryan (1900-1972) British Journalist, editor of the BBC News Service 1940-47, and Assistant Editor and Literary Editor of The Times 1947-68.
LITERATURE: A selection of World War I dated A.Ls.S., T.L.S. (1), a few autograph quotations signed etc., by various writers, novelists and poets etc., mainly British, comprising Maurice Hewlett (thanking his correspondent for their kind comments about his books, 'It is the best consolation I could have for the part my age compels me to play in it. I see my son go, my nephews go - but here I must remain. It is much to me…..to discover what heroes there are left in the world. Recently I have been able to write about the work which some of my own countrymen have accomplished….But the glory of France and of the French will be left to better pens than mine….', 9th January 1917), Frederic Harrison (in full, 'Never in all history has the French name and the part of France in the civilisation of the world, stood so high as today when she and her Allies are marching on to certain victory over barbarism & absolutism', August 1918; Harrison lost one of his sons during the war), Charles Garvice (stating that he is pleased to know his books are liked, 'and more than pleasant to hear that the brave men at the front get some good out of them, if only a few hours of distraction and forgetfulness of the terrible things through which they are fighting', n.d.), Horace Annesley Vachell (in part, 'We are all rejoicing over the wonderful news….I can imagine what the French Army is feeling. I love France dearly….My only son is buried in the Military Cemetery at Choques. What France has suffered is never absent from my mind….', 11th April 1917), Coulson Kernahan (A.L.S. and A.Q.S., the latter being a brief poem entitled On the Sinking of the Lusitania by Germany), Thomas Anstey Guthrie (in part, 'I am too old, unfortunately, to do anything to serve my own country, except as a volunteer, but I have been a private in the…..Reserve Corps since the war began, & it takes up a fair amount of my time, though, except in releasing regulars by doing guard duty, trench-digging &c, I fear we are doing nothing of any value….' and continuing to refer to a French translation of his work Vice Versa and the apparent lack of a French equivalent of schoolboy slang, 4th May 1914), Ernest Vizetelly (written in French and referring to Victor Hugo, Palestine etc., 27th August 1917), Gordon Bottomley, Herbert Trench (in part, 'I have written my “Battle of the Marne” in “Poems with Fables in Prose” to express, in my poor way, something of the infinite debt Europe owes to France: something of my infinite love….I only hope some one will translate the poem - as my message to French soldiers….It gives me - who have two sons fighting with you - a thrill of pride to see, in the Mercure de France….that another Frenchman, like yourself, has understood that poem - “What, after all, is France? Tis she, that since Rome's wane, Hath been Man's leader these two thousand years”', 5th October 1918), Henry Newbolt (in part, 'a soldier of the French Army needs no other introduction in England nowadays….', 10th April 1917), Frank H. Shaw (in part, 'It is regrettable that my participation in the war should so considerably limit my output of fiction', written whilst serving as a Captain with the British Expeditionary Force, 7th October 1917) and Henry De Vere Stacpoole (in part, 'I was in England at the beginning of the war, and I remember the Saturday before war was declared, and I remember the excitement of the English people here in Essex. Though they are peaceable enough people they were mad at the idea of Germany attacking France, and England standing by. It was the same all over England. England went into the war to help France and for no selfish reason…..', 7th May 1917). All of the letters were written to the French soldier and autograph collector Frank Pellissier during World War I. Most with very small, extremely minor pinholes to the upper and lower edges and light age wear, generally about VG, 13
LITERATURE: A selection of World War I dated A.Ls.S., a few autograph quotations signed etc., by various writers, novelists and poets etc., mainly British, comprising Wilfrid Wilson Gibson, Jeffrey Farnol (in part, 'I have only just returned from a visit to the British front and spent some little time in Paris where I heard & saw a little of the glorious French Army. To our speedy victory!', 1st May 1917), Haldane Macfall (in part, 'All good luck! May we meet in Berlin! And rid what decent Germans there may be of those hideous statues!', on the printed stationery of the 14th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, n.d.), Eden Phillpotts (A.Q.S., being a sonnet entitled France - 14 July), Desmond Coke (in part, 'I have been in the Army since Autumn 1914, but got Trench Fever last year in France & am now useless for Active Service through heart trouble', 24th August 1917), Joseph Hocking (in part, 'My only boy just left Clifton College as the war broke out, and joined the British Army. He was wounded in France….and has since been regarded as unfit for Active Service….I had the privilege of visiting the British Front in France & Belgium…..some months ago, but did not go near the French line. I should like to very much; but our War Office will not allow civilians to visit France since this Spring Push, except under very urgent circumstances. I shd. regard it as an inestimable privilege to get to Verdun & see the places where your men covered themselves with glory.', 2nd May 1917), William Edward Norris, Francis Gribble, F. E. Grainger (Headon Hill; in part, 'In a strenuous writing life of over thirty years I have had many requests for my poor little autograph, but never has one given me so much pleasure as yours, coming from a brave soldier of France fighting alongside my compatriots against the brute beasts who defile the earth. It is my earnest prayer that you may soon drive them back into their own god-forsaken land. I think you will, for we in England are beginning to smell victory in the air…..', 3rd July 1917), Fergus Hume (A.Q.S., a verse of four lines entitled To a brave soldier of the Republic, December 1916), Arthur St. John Adcock (in part, 'For the first time in my life I came out on a visit to France last October and saw something of what the war means to those who are fighting in it. I know now…..how finely the French are facing it all, and I came back more confident of victory than ever…..', 26th February 1917), Hall Caine (in part, 'I trust all goes well with you in your dangerous career “somewhere in France”. We are waiting & watching hour by hour for news of what befalls', 30th July 1916) and Robert Service (ink signature on a sheet of 8vo mourning stationery). All of the letters were written to the French soldier and autograph collector Frank Pellissier during World War I. Most with very small, extremely minor pinholes to the upper and lower edges and light age wear, generally about VG, 13
LITERATURE: A selection of World War I dated A.Ls.S., by various female writers, novelists and poets etc., mainly British, comprising Rose Macaulay (in part, 'This is, I hope, the last letter I shall write during the war. In fact, I hope it is over already, though we have not yet got the news of it here. I expect there will be great peace celebrations on the Front', 10th November 1918), Maud Diver (in part, 'It has always been my hope that someday some of my novels - at least - might be translated into French. But you are a critical people, with a high literary standard, which I fear I am scarcely likely to reach. I was also told - sometime before the War - that the ideals of my principle characters were too high to suit French taste. But since the war has made you better known to us, it seems to me, rather, that France is the country of fine ideals par excellence…..The news from Flanders is good & (if only the weather will do its proper share in the work) I hope it will be better still before very long…', 15th November 1917), Katharine Tynan Hinkson (in part 'I cannot tell you how much we love France. We have had a dream of sending an Irish brigade to France. I would gladly have given my sons to France. One is now fighting…..he is only 19. And the other just 18 is at the military college, Sandhurst. When it was evident there were not going to be any more recruits for England from here we tried to make a move in the direction of an Irish Brigade for France, but if it would be sanctioned….it is not easy to get at the people just now. Most of the born fighters went out in the beginning I suppose & the rest are disaffected. What is left is not the fighting sort……If an Irish Brigade for France had been sanctioned early in the War it would have been a huge success. The whole business has been badly mismanaged here', 24th February 1917), Eliza Humphreys ('Rita', Mrs. Desmond Humphreys), Violet Hunt Hueffer (in part, 'My husband, Ford Madox Hueffer has been fighting by your side in France & is now home; he has been “gassed”', 4th May n.y.) and Norma Lorimer (stating that she feels writing fiction 'is a waste of time' at this terrible time, 16th September 1917). All of the letters were written to the French soldier and autograph collector Frank Pellissier during World War I. Most with very small, extremely minor pinholes to the upper and lower edges and light age wear, generally about VG, 6
DE WET CHRISTIAAN: (1854-1922) Boer General, Rebel Leader and Politician who served in both the First and Second Boer Wars, gaining a reputation as the most formidable leader of the Boers in their guerrilla warfare. Acting State President of the Orange Free State, May 1902. Rare A.L.S., C. R. de Wet, two pages, 8vo, Roodeport, 5th August 1903. To G. J. O'Reilly, in Afrikaans. The untranslated letter mentions Smith & Co and also refers to a cheque for the sum of £5.9.6. Neatly mounted. Together with an ink signature ('C. R. de Wet') by De Wet on an oblong 12mo piece with a slightly irregularly trimmed lower edge. Some light overall age wear and minor foxing, G, 2
ATATURK MUSTAFA KEMAL: (1881-1938) Turkish Army Officer, Revolutionary and Founder of the Republic of Turkey, serving as Turkey's first President 1923-38. An extremely rare, vintage bold blue fountain pen ink signature ('Gazi M. Kemal') on an oblong 12mo piece. Neatly laid down and with several pencil and ink annotations to the verso in the hand of the noted autograph collector Ray Rawlins. Very slightly irregularly trimmed and with some light wrinkling and age wear, about VG Provenance: The present, early signature was previously contained in the Rawlins Collection and is illustrated in the collector's reference book The Guiness Book of World Autographs (1977). The signature was sold, as part of a lot containing other signatures by various Heads of State, by Sotheby's in their sale of the Rawlins Collection on 2nd, 3rd & 4th June 1980 (Lot 594). Ataturk's signature incorporates his title of Gazi, which was given to him by the Grand National Assembly in 1921, and dates from between that date and 1934 when the Turkish Parliament granted him the surname Ataturk ('Father of the Turks') in recognition of his role in founding the modern Turkish Republic.
POINCARE RAYMOND: (1860-1934) French Prime Minister 1912-13, 1922-24 & 1926-29 and President 1913-20 during World War I. A.L.S., R Poincare, two pages, 8vo, Sampigny, Meuse, 8th May 1926, to a gentleman, in French. Poincare states that he has not heard from his correspondent since they spoke on the telephone and wonders if events have forced him to give up on arranging an appointment so that they could work together, further adding that in any case it would have to be adjourned as he is absent from Paris and will not return until the Chambers meet again. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
FRENCH POLITICS: Selection of signed cards (most with attached newspaper images), A.L.S. (1). L.S. (1), T.L.S. (1) etc., by various French political leaders, all of whom held office during World War I, comprising Hubert Lyautey (General and Colonial Administrator, Minister of War 1916-17, Marshal of France), Andre Tardieu (3; served as George Clemenceau's lieutenant at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, later Prime Minister of France 1929-30, 1930, 1932), Alexandre Millerand (Minister of War 1912-13, 1914-15, later Prime Minister of France 1920 and President 1920-24), Alexandre Ribot (Prime Minister of France 1892-93, 1895, 1914 & 1917), Gaston Doumergue (3; Prime Minister of France 1913-14, 1934 and President 1924-31, one a signature on his personal printed visiting card), Henry Berenger (influential member of various French committees on Finance and Foreign Affairs who proposed a law to regulate the press during World War I, later France's Ambassador to the United States 1926-27) and Paul Deschanel (President of the Chamber during World War I, playing an important role as the nation's orator, later President of France 1920). Some light overall age wear and a few of the cards with ink annotations in the hand of a collector. G to generally VG, 11
EDWARD VIII: (1894-1972) King of the United Kingdom January - December 1936. Later Duke of Windsor. A war date printed 8vo menu card for a Xma's Dinner held in the Driver's Mess of the Australian Corps Headquarters at Ham-Sur-Heure, Belgium, 1918, signed ('Edward P', as Prince of Wales) by the future King in fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area at the base of the front cover. Also signed in ink by two unidentified military officers, a Captain Anderson and a Lieutenant Kemsley, immediately beneath the Prince's signature. Some light overall foxing, minor creasing and age wear and with a small tear to the lower edge of the back cover, G At the outbreak of World War I the Prince of Wales was eligible for active service and keen to participate and, having joined the Grenadier Guards in June 1914, was willing to serve on the front lines. This was refused by the Secretary of State for War, however the Prince witnessed trench warfare and did visit the front line as often as possible. Although his role in the war was limited, he was awarded the Military Cross in 1916 and his participation also made him popular with veterans of the conflict. The Prince of Wales visited the chateau at Ham-sur-Heure during the Christmas and New Year of 1918-19 at which time he signed the present menu. The chateau served as the headquarters of the Australian Imperial Force Corps in the liberated areas after the Armistice and whilst there the Prince visited the different Australian Divisions and distributed medals and decorations to the Australian soldiers.
JOUBERT PETRUS: (1831-1900) Commandant-General of the South African Republic 1880-1900. War date A.L.S., P J Joubert, one page, 4to, Ladysmith, 4th January 1900, to a gentleman, in Afrikaans. The untranslated letter is written and signed in blue indelible pencil by Joubert in his capacity as Commandant-General and is signed in the month both prior to his death and the Relief of Ladysmith. Lightly mounted at the head of the verso and with one small tear to the body of the letter, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, and with some light staining and age wear, G
LLOYD GEORGE DAVID: (1863-1945) British Prime Minister 1916-22, a major figure at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 following the end of World War I. An important L.S., D Lloyd George, with holograph subscription, three pages, 4to, Downing Street, Whitehall, 4th February 1920, to [George] Barnes, on the blind embossed stationery of the First Lord of the Treasury. Lloyd George announces 'It is with deepest regret that I forward your resignation of office to the King' and continues 'My regret is all the greater because you inform me that the state of your health is such that now you have completed the task entrusted to you in your present position, you feel physically unable to face in a new sphere of activity the strain which is now more than ever inseparable from the discharge of any ministerial office', although also expressing some relief at his correspondent's reasoning, 'Since you have definitely made up your mind, I am unfeignedly glad it is not due to any difference of opinion on questions of policy, or to any disapproval by you of action taken by your other colleagues'. The Prime Minister further adds that he has already expressed in the House of Commons the indebtedness due to Barnes for his achievement in regards to the League of Nations, commenting 'It was a magnificent piece of work, and its success is more attributable to your initiation and wise guidance than to any other living man' and also adding further praise, 'But that is not the sum of your service to your country, notably during the last three years. All my colleagues wish to join me in stating how much they honour the disinterested patriotism which you have uniformly displayed; how much they have relied upon your ripe judgement in the difficult and tremendous problems that came before us; and how much they will miss you in council during the trying days that are in front of any Government that is charged with finding solutions for the problems left by the Great War'. A lengthy series of pencil notes in shorthand appear to the verso of the final page, possibly representing a draft of the letter of reply from Barnes. A letter of good content and association. Some very light overall age wear, otherwise VGGeorge Barnes (1859-1940) British Politician, Leader of the Labour Party 1910-11. Barnes served under Lloyd George in the Coalition Government during World War I, firstly as Minister of Pensions 1916-17 and latterly as Minister without Portfolio 1917-20. After resigning as a Minister in 1920 Barnes played no further significant role in British politics.
BRITISH WAR CABINET: Selection of A.Ls.S., T.L.S. (1), a few signed pieces and cards etc., by various British politicians, all of them members of the British War cabinet during World War I, comprising Edward Carson (3; First Lord of the Admiralty 1916-17, Minister without Portfolio 1917-19, one of the letters written to George Barnes and stating, in part, 'I should like as an old colleague during the crisis of the war to say how sorry I am to read of your resignation. Your persistent Patriotism & determination throughout all our difficulties & dangers won the esteem & affection of us all.....', 28th January 1920), Alfred Milner (4; Minister without Portfolio, one of the most important members of David Lloyd George's War Cabinet; two of the letters are written to Rennell Rodd, in one stating, in part, 'I am glad you approve of my "Ishmaelite" eccentricities. We are in a bad way here just now, politically, in my opinion. I hope Curzon will come back into active political life', 5th March 1903), Eric Geddes (First Lord of the Admiralty 1917-19) and George Barnes (Minister of Pensions 1916-17, Minister without Portfolio 1917-20). Some age wear, light foxing and other minor faults, generally G to about VG, 9 Rennell Rodd (1858-1941) British Diplomat, Poet and Politician who served as British Ambassador to Italy 1908-19 before and during World War I.
CHAMBERLAIN AUSTEN: (1863-1937) British Statesman, Secretary of State for India 1915-17. Chamberlain resigned his post in the wartime coalition government following the failure of the Mesopotamian Campaign. Nobel Peace Prize winner for his role in negotiating the Locarno Pact (1925) aimed at preventing war between France and Germany. Wardate A.L.S., Austen Chamberlain, one page, 8vo, Whitehall, 6th February 1917, to 'My dear Mary', on the printed stationery of the India Office. Chamberlain announces 'A rather distant view of the King's procession across the Horse Guards Parade tomorrow can be got from one of my windows here' and continues to invite any of his correspondent's family to take advantage of the view, adding that they should ask for Mr. Wilson who will have instructions and concluding by remarking 'I shall be at Cabinet'. With blank integral leaf (some slight traces of former mounting to the verso). Together with an unrelated printed Admittance Ticket issued by the United Service Club on the occasion of Coronation Day, 22nd June 1911, allowing a lady entrance by the Writing Room for her allocated seat, numbered 636. Some light age wear and minor traces of former mounting to the verso. VG, 2 The coronation of King George V (1865-1936) and Mary of Teck (1867-1953) took place at Westminster Abbey on 22nd June 1911. As a result of World War I the empires of the King's first cousins Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany fell, while the British Empire expanded to its greatest effective extent. In 1917 King George V became the first monarch of the House of Windsor, renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment.
BRITISH POLITICS: Selection of vintage signed postcard photographs, and slightly larger (2), by various politicians, all of whom held office during World War I, one as a member of the War Cabinet, comprising Herbert Samuel (Postmaster-General 1910-14, 1915-16 & High Commissioner for Palestine 1920-25, the first nominally-practising Jew to serve as a Cabinet Minister), Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquess of Lansdowne, Richard Haldane (signed to the verso), Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby (Secretary of State for War 1916-18, 1922-24), Walter Long (Secretary of State for the Colonies 1916-19, First Lord of the Admiralty 1919-21) and Edward Carson (First Lord of the Admiralty 1916-17, Minister without Portfolio in the War Cabinet 1917-19). All are signed in fountain pen inks with their names alone. Some light mottling to two of the images, G to VG, 6
BRITISH POLITICS: Selection of A.Ls.S. and T.Ls.S., by various British politicians, all of whom held office during World War I, each of the letters dated during the war (or a year either side), comprising Baron Inverforth (2; one stating, in part, 'The immediate purpose for which the Ministry of Munitions was formed has been achieved… Since its creation in 1915 the Ministry has been called upon to supply the fighting services with War material on an unprecedented scale…. In the complete defeat of the enemy, the achievements of the British Ministry of Munitions have proved a potent and decisive factor… ' to Sir William Jones, 26th February 1919), Edward Grey (briefly referring to the Regent of Persia, 1913), Ernest Pollock (briefly mentioning Dighton Probyn VC and also remarking 'Much interest centres upon what Redmond says tomorrow on the Home Rule….', 1913), Arthur Steel-Maitland (2; one to Lord Curzon), Earl Beauchamp, Robert Horne, Hamar Greenwood (T.L.S., in part, 'This is a private note to say that I hope that your transfer to the political side of the Foreign Office will not mean that you will wish to resign from our Selection Committee… ' to Victor Wellesley, 14th October 1919), Reginald McKenna, Robert Cecil and Viscount Cowdray. A few signs of former mounting, light creases and dust toning, otherwise G to about VG, 12
DE LA REY KOOS: (1847-1914) Boer General of the Second Boer War, regarded as one of the most able and brave leaders of the war whose guerrilla tactics proved extremely effective. Fine fountain pen ink signature ('J H de la Rey') to the verso of his personal printed visiting card. Annotated to the recto in light pencil in an unidentified hand indicating that the signature was obtained at a hotel on 8th November 1902. Together with Paul Methuen (1845-1932) 3rd Baron Methuen. British Field Marshal, General Officer Commanding the 1st Division during the Second Boer War. Methuen was famously captured by Kroos de la Rey at the Battle of Tweebosch on 7th March 1902 during the final months of the war, thereby becoming the only General taken prisoner by the Boers during the war. A.L.S., Methuen, one page, 8vo, Corsham Court, Wiltshire, 11th December 1902, to a gentleman. Methuen acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter 'directing me to attend the Investiture of 18th December at 10.45 at Buckingham Palace'. With blank integral leaf. VG to EX, 2 Lord Methuen had been ordered by Lord Kitchener to hunt down Kroos de la Rey and other Boer commanders in February 1902. De la Rey ambushed Methuen's column at Tweebosch and many of the British force panicked and fled or surrendered leaving around half of the officers to fight on. The disastrous British defeat resulted in the loss of 200 men killed or wounded and a further 600 captured. The prisoners included Lord Methuen who had been wounded and suffered a broken leg during the battle. De la Rey sent Methuen to a British hospital in his own carriage under a flag of truce, despite demands from his own troops to execute him. The Boers court-martialled De la Rey for his release of such a valuable prisoner, but no further action was taken. Although the defeat at the Battle of Tweebosch had far reaching consequences, Methuen escaped with his career intact with the War Office and Kitchener taking the brunt of criticism. The investiture which Methuen attended at Buckingham Palace on 18th December 1902 most likely followed his appointment to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, the announcement of which had appeared in The London Gazette on 31st October 1902.
BRITISH POLITICS: Selection A.Ls.S. and a few T.Ls.S., by various British politicians, all of whom held various government posts during World War I, including Richard Haldane, Lord Grey, Viscount Gladstone (2), Robert Finlay, Baron Emmott (A.L.S., 'I send my guinea with much pleasure for the present to Sir Edward Coates' 14th November 1912), Robert Horne, Philip Sassoon, Viscount Sankey (2; including an A.L.S., in part, 'I have read with great interest your thoughtful pamphlet on "Peace & Practical Politics"…If we could answer the question “Why do the nations do furiously rage together” we should go a long way towards the settlement of the difficult problems of the day', 16th September 1938), Herbert Samuel (2; including an A.L.S., in part, 'The outcome of my motion for a return on existing systems of graduated and differentiated income-tax filled one with awe!...', 22nd December 1905, and a T.L.S., 'I will look into the matter about which Sir Alec Shaw has written to you…', to Lady Aberdeen, 22nd March 1910), Viscount Lee, Ian Macpherson, Viscount Cecil (T.L.S., in part, 'It is extremely kind of you to have sent me a copy of your book "The Policy of Neutrality and the Practical Alternative"…', 17th June 1943), Arthur Steel-Maitland, Joseph Pease, Marquess of Crewe (A.L.S., in part, 'I must thank you for your letter of May 25 about Lord Davies' very kind desire that I should succeed my old friend Lord Gladstone as President of the British section of the New Commonwealth Organization….', although continuing to politely decline the post, 31st May 1935), Walter Long (to George Barnes on hearing news of his resignation), Joseph Maclay (2) etc. A few signs of former mounting, light creases, minor splits and dust toning, otherwise G to about VG, 23
[KIRKPATRICK IVONE]: (1897-1964) British Diplomat who served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at the outbreak of World War I. Kirkpatrick was severely wounded in action against the Turks during the Battle of Gallipoli in August 1915 and resumed his war service in 1916 employed in intelligence and propaganda activities for the GHQ intelligence service. During the last year of the war Kirkpatrick served as a spymaster in Rotterdam, running a network of Belgian resistance agents operating in German-occupied Belgium. Collection of eleven A.Ls.S. and two T.Ls.S. by a variety of British political figures etc., some of whom served in the War Cabinet during World War I, all written to Ivone Kirkpatrick or his wife (a few before her marriage to the diplomat) between 1924-57, including Austen Chamberlain (3; in one expressing his appreciation to Kirkpatrick for the way he discharged his difficult duties at the Tangier Conference, 'I have no doubt that the successful issue of the conference is largely due to the solutions which you suggested on more than one occasion when, but for your wise use of the discretion left to you, failure would have followed on the dissensions of other powers'; formally thanking Violet Cottell for her work at the Foreign Office and regretting that the strain of the work has compelled her to resign, and in another sending heartfelt congratulations on her forthcoming marriage to Kirkpatrick, 'I wonder whether you had a premonition of this event when you decided to resign from the F.O. If so, I think you were right, for not even the F.O. is as good as that which awaits you'), Lord Curzon (asking Kirkpatrick for the background to a scurrilous article in the Sunday Pictorial, 'Can you tell me if I am guilty? I have no recollection of these riff-raffs whom I am alleged to have kept waiting for 5 months!'), Ronald Graham (3; in part 'I was at first indignant at the F.O. suggestion to send you to the Vatican mission - but they made such a point of it - also that it would be good for you - that I had to give way. I shall be terribly sorry to lose you….I only hope you will get a chance of distinguishing yourself in an independent post'), Clarissa Eden (2; one written just a few days after her husband's resignation as Prime Minister, 'Anthony is very heart broken, but is was, alas, inevitable. The wonder is that he was able to carry on so long after the operations', also including a Christmas greetings card signed by Clarissa Eden, also on behalf of her husband), Elizabeth Cavendish, Lady Salisbury (referring to the Suez Crisis, in part, 'What a horrible situation we are in, and how appalling the Americans are. It makes me so angry to think of the way the Egyptians are treating our people in Egypt - just like the Japanese before this last war. I wish we could cut off the Nile') etc. A few of the letters are accompanied by the original envelopes. Some light age wear and traces of former mounting, generally VG, 14
HALIFAX VISCOUNT: (1881-1959) British Politician who served as Deputy Director of Labour Supply at the Ministry of National Service 1917-18 and later became Foreign Secretary 1938-40, working closely with Neville Chamberlain as one of the architects of the policy of appeasement of Adolf Hitler. A good, large vintage signed 8.5 x 14 photograph of the future Viscount Halifax standing in a formal full length pose wearing a ceremonial uniform and robes as Viceroy of India. Signed ('Irwin', as Lord Irwin) in bold black fountain pen ink with his name alone to a clear area of the image. Neatly trimmed and with some extremely light, very minor silvering and one minor corner crease. Together with Edward Grey (1862-1933) 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon. British Politician, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1905-16 and as such the main force behind British foreign policy at the time of World War I. Grey famously remarked 'the lamps are going out' on the outbreak of the war. Bold, dark fountain pen ink signature ('Grey of Fallodon') on a card, dated May 1920 in the hand of a collector at the base. Generally VG, 2 Viscount Halifax served as Viceroy of India from 1925-31 and was styled Lord Irwin between 1925 and 1934.
BOSELLI PAOLO: (1838-1932) Italian Prime Minister 1916-17 during World War I. A.L.S., P. Boselli, two pages, small 4to, n.p., 4th April 1925, to a friend, on official blue printed stationery, in Italian. Boselli writes to his correspondent regarding some material relating to Gioberti ('its importance will be further revealed when fresh light is shed on it') and remarks 'What you say is very apposite - my ideas had already moved in the same direction. This classic publication seems to me to be a special type of work'. With blank integral leaf. Together with a L.S., P. Boselli, one page, 8vo, Rome, 25th September 1889, to the Marquis Carlo Balsamo Crivelli, Secretary General of St. Paul's Charities, on the printed stationery of the Ministry of Education, in Italian. Boselli states that his correspondent's request on behalf of their son has been granted. With blank integral leaf. Also including an ink signature ('Paolo Boselli') and several additional words in his hand, in Italian, to the verso of a plain postcard, dated Rome, January 1923 in his hand. Further including a document bearing a rubber stamped signature of Boselli at the foot, one page, folio, Rome, 31st January 1922, in Italian. The partially printed document relates to a Royal decree appointing Major Vittorio Calo of the Medical Corps as an Officer in the Order of the Crown of Italy and confirms that, in pursuance of the Royal instructions, the Chancellor of the Order of the Crown of Italy has inscribed Calo's name on the roll of National Officers as number 22,833 (Second Series). Some light overall age wear, G to generally VG, 4
TITTONI TOMMASO: (1855-1931) Italian Diplomat & Politician, Prime Minister of Italy, March 1905. Tittoni served as Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs 1903-05, 1906-09 & 1919 and was Italy's first delegate at the Paris Peace Conference at the end of World War I. An excellent original pen and ink drawing signed by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed image, on a folio sheet of artist's paper, depicts Tittoni in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Tittoni at the base and with a statement in his hand, in Italian, 'Defence of the State strongly arranged to respond to the multiple demands of modern progress and to regulate social evolution is for me the greatest issue of our times (Chamber of Deputies, 22nd March 1905)'. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
SALANDRA ANTONIO: (1853-1931) Italian Prime Minister 1914-16. Salandra ensured the entry of Italy in World War I on the side of the Triple Entente to fulfil Italy's irrendentist claims. An excellent original pen and ink drawing signed by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed image, on a folio sheet of artist's paper, depicts Salandra in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Salandra beneath the drawing and with a brief quotation, 'In memory of the liberation war', in Italian, and the date, Rome, 24th May 1920, in his hand. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
BOSELLI PAOLO: (1838-1932) Italian Prime Minister 1916-17 during World War I. An excellent original pen and ink drawing signed by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed image, on a folio sheet of artist's paper, depicts Boselli in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Boselli beneath the drawing and with a brief quotation, 'The glory of the Latin nation is the glory of civilisation', in Italian, and the date, Rome, 24th May 1920, in his hand. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
NITTI FRANCESCO SAVERIO: (1868-1953) Italian Economist, Prime Minister of Italy 1919-20 during which time he had to deal with great social unrest and dissatisfaction with the results of the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I. An excellent original pen and ink drawing signed by the German-Swiss artist Robert Kastor, the well-executed image, on a folio sheet of artist's paper, depicts Nitti in a head and shoulders pose. Signed by Nitti at the base and with a lengthy quotation in his hand, in Italian, 'Europe will not regain lost wealth and what's more the security of life as long as true peace is restored, after the false peace of the treaties. Europe eagerly seeks the ways of liberation; it will find them only when it will leave the spirit of violence.' Some extremely light, very minor age wear, VG
LODGE HENRY CABOT: (1850-1924) American Politician and Historian, remembered for his positions on foreign policy which resulted in battles with President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 over the Treaty of Versailles, the failure of which ensured that the United States never joined the League of Nations. A good vintage signed and inscribed 9.5 x 13.5 photograph of Lodge in a head and shoulders pose. Photograph by Harris & Ewing of Washington DC and bearing their credit stamp to the lower left corner of the image. Signed in fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount 'Mrs. Samuel E. Winslow - with very best regards of her friend, Henry Cabot Lodge'. Some silvering to the edges of the image and a small tear and a couple of chips to the right edge of the photographer's mount. Together with Edward M. House (1858-1938) American Diplomat & Politician, chief advisor on European politics and diplomacy to President Woodrow Wilson during World War I. Brief T.L.S., E. M. House, one page, 8vo, Magnolia, Massachusetts, 1st July 1929, to Mr. C. E. Bissell. House thanks his correspondent for their 'kindly solicitation as to my health' and remarks 'Happily, I am convalescing nicely'. Some light age wear, G to about VG, 2 Samuel E. Winslow (1862-1940) American Politician, husband of Bertha Lucenia Russell (1867-1947) from 1889.
SMUTS JAN: (1870-1950) South African Field Marshal and Statesman, Prime Minister of South Africa 1919-24, 1939-48. Smuts led a Boer Commando in the Second Boer War for the Transvaal and during World War I he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing German South-West Africa and commanding the British Army in East Africa. Smuts was also a member of the British Imperial War Cabinet 1917-19. D.S., J Smuts, two pages, folio, Pretoria, Transvaal, 7th October 1902. The partially printed document is a Deed of Transfer by virtue of a Power of Attorney relating to a piece of land at Potchefstroom which Henry Beckley has transferred, via the Power of Attorney granted to Hendrick Malherbe, to Johannes Michiel Adriaan van Blommestein in exchange for the sum of £950. Signed by Malherbe at the conclusion and countersigned by Smuts in his capacity as Registrar of Deeds. With blank integral leaf and several official Revenue stamps etc. Some very light, minor age wear, otherwise VG The Transvaal's defeat at the end of the Second Boer War irrevocably changed the face of South Africa, however, for Smuts, it was back to work as usual. Whilst Christiaan De Wet, Koos de la Rey and Louis Botha embarked on a European tour, hailed as conquering heroes, Smuts returned to his former day job, as a mediocre lawyer.
BIG FOUR THE: A very fine, large vintage signed sepia 16 x 14.5 photograph by three members of The Big Four (also referred to as the Council of Four) individually, all of them being leaders of the top Allied powers of World War I, comprising Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924, American President 1913-21, responsible for leading the United States during World War I), David Lloyd George (1863-1945, British Prime Minister 1916-22, playing an important role in Coalition government during and immediately after World War I) and Georges Clemenceau (1841-1929, French Prime Minister 1909-09, 1917-20 who favoured a total victory of the German Empire in World War I and, before his second term as Prime Minister, was a vehement critic of the war-time French government, asserting that they were not doing enough to win the war). The image depicts the three men, accompanied by Vittorio Emanuele Orlando (1860-1952, Italian Prime Minister 1917-19), in full length poses candidly engaged in conversation as they stand on the steps of the Hotel de Crillon on 27th May 1919 during the Paris Peace Conference, the main result of which was the Treaty of Versailles with Germany. Photograph by Edward N. Jackson for the United States Army Signal Corps. Signed by Wilson, Lloyd George and Clemenceau in dark fountain pen inks with their names alone to the lower border immediately beneath their respective images. A rare and historic signed photograph. Some very light surface and corner creasing and a few extremely minor stains, none of which affect the signatures. VG Although the Armistice, signed on 11th November 1918, ended the actual fighting of World War I, it was to take six months of Allied negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference to create five peace treaties with the defeated states. The most important of these was the Treaty of Versailles, signed on 28th June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand which had directly led to World War I. The Paris Peace Conference had opened on 18th January 1919 and it was towards the end of negotiations that the present photograph of 'The Big Four' was taken. The Allied leaders of America, Great Britain, France and Italy met informally together over 140 times and made all of the major decisions, later ratified by the other participating countries and nationalities. Although seen in the present photograph, it seems fitting that Vittorio Emanuele Orlando did not sign this image as he was not a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles either. The Italian Prime Minister had dramatically left the peace conference early in April 1919, and, although he returned briefly the following month, he was forced to resign just days before the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The fact that he was not a signatory to the Treaty became a point of pride for him later in his life.
SMUTS JAN: (1870-1950) South African Field Marshal and Statesman, Prime Minister of South Africa 1919-24, 1939-48. Smuts led a Boer Commando in the Second Boer War for the Transvaal and during World War I he led the armies of South Africa against Germany, capturing German South-West Africa and commanding the British Army in East Africa. Smuts was also a member of the British Imperial War Cabinet 1917-19. The Field Marshal also played a significant role during World War II as a member of Winston Churchill's Imperial War Cabinet and holds the distinction of being the only person to sign both of the peace treaties ending the First and Second World Wars. World War II date A.L.S., J C Smuts, two pages, 8vo, Transvaal, 2nd January 1942, to [Allister] Miller. Smuts states that his correspondent's note had reminded him of the days when they used to see each other, remarking 'Now you seem to have buried yourself in your Swaziland interests', and further writing 'May I add my best wishes for your happiness and welfare for the New Year. It is certain to be a difficult year, but at any rate we start much better than we started 1941'. A few small, light tape stains to the upper edge of each page, not affecting the text or signature. Together with Edmund Ironside (1880-1959) British Field Marshal who served with the Royal Artillery during the Second Boer War and was a member of the small force who escorted Jan Smuts to the peace negotiations at the end of the war. Ironside also served during World War I, commanding a brigade on the Western Front in 1918, and was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff at the beginning of World War II. A.L.S., Ironside, two pages, 8vo, Norfolk, 17th June 1955, to Mr. Wray. The Field Marshal informs his correspondent that 'I am still a serving soldier & am not allowed to join in any political work' and therefore can not be of much help, although remarking 'But I agree that we need some good steady influence in our present state'. With a number of heavy tape stains and a few other minor faults, very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature, FR to G, 2 Allister M. Miller was one of Swaziland's early and prominent settlers and has been described as having 'the most articulate voice of the European community' within the kingdom at the time of the Scramble for Africa.
ALBRECHT RICHARD FRIEDRICH WILHELM: (1878-1926) Prussian Major, Commander of the Free State Artillery during the Second Boer War. Albrecht was present at the Siege of Kimberley and also played an important part in the Boer victory at the Battle of Magersfontein on 11th December 1899. War date D.S., F Albrecht, being a signed cheque, Bloemfontein, 29th July 1899. The partially printed cheque is drawn on the The National Bank of the Orange Free State Limited and is completed entirely in Albrecht's hand, made payable to himself ('Major R Albrecht') for the sum of two pounds sterling. A standard ink line runs through Albrecht's signature by way of a bank cancellation and a further perforated cancellation only very slightly touches the first part of the signature. Also countersigned by Albrecht with his name alone to the verso. Together with a brief A.L.S., Maj. Weil, by Sam Weil, one page, oblong 8vo, Bloemfontein, 7th May 1900, to his brother Julius in Cape Town, on a partially printed piece of Memorandum stationery from the Imperial Transport Service. Weil writes, in full, 'The enclosed cheque will do to keep as a momento (sic). It is signed by Albrecht himself'. Two neat splits running horizontally across the memorandum have been strengthened with tape to the verso. Some very light, extremely minor creasing to the cheque, G to about VG, 2 Major Samuel Weil (1862-1944) English Businessman who, in 1882, went to South Africa to join his brother Julius in the new firm of Julius Weil & Co. and together they organised the transport for the first Matabele Campaign (1893). Julius Weil had been the first Jew to settle in Mafeking in 1878 and his family firm, which evolved into the Imperial Transport Service, was responsible for the provisioning of Mafeking during the siege of 1899-1900. Their contribution in supplying resources was officially acknowledged as having been an important factor in the defence of the besieged town. Aside from Mafeking, the Weil's company supplied virtually everything that was required during the Second Boer War, including food, clothing, medicine, rifles, ammunition, tools, and other luxuries, as well as organising transportation and storage, earning Julius Weil the accolade of being 'the man that moves the army'.
[SIEGE OF LADYSMITH]: A fascinating A.L.S. by W. J. C. Bickery, a Boer and resident of Bloemfontein, four pages, 8vo, Bloemfontein, 1st January 1900, to Miss. Pretorius. Bickery writes at the height of the Second Boer War and provides an interesting account of the hostilities, beginning his letter by apologising for not having replied to his correspondent's letter earlier and continuing 'Providence is no doubt looking after us as it is simply a miracle how our Boers have withstood the attacks of the finest soldiers of the earth and always against overwhelming odds; how few of our men have been killed. Today or tomorrow Ladysmith is expected to fall. When once that place is taken it means that 3000 or 4000 of our men, who have up to now been lying idle, will be able to be used in other parts where they are wanted' and further commenting 'The English seem to be trying their utmost to get in through Colesberg way. May they never succeed. May England lose her greatness over the unjust war she is now waging in poor South Africa. I do feel so bitter over this business'. Bickery also writes of the hospitals at Bloemfontein, which he thinks have sufficient nurses, his change of residence ('I am now living all by my lone in a great big house with a fine garden with plenty of fruit in it') and of recently selling two small horses, 'I was very sorry to part with them but they were growing old and would soon be not worth very much. They have gone down to Colesberg with some ambulance crowd', concluding by sending his correspondent his good wishes for the New Year and hopes 'that peace may soon be established'. A letter of fine content providing a first hand account of a Boer's view of the English during the Second Boer War. Some light overall foxing, the heaviest of which appears to the final page, and with some lengthy, although neat, splits to the folds. FR The present letter was written during the protracted Siege of Ladysmith (November 1899 - February 1900) and just five days before the Battle of Wagon Hill took place on 6th January 1900. The Boers around Ladysmith were growing weak and with little action many fighters had taken unauthorised leave. However, some of the younger Boer leaders persuaded the Commandant-General, Piet Joubert, to order a storming attempt on the night of 5th January before another relief attempt could be made. In the early hours of 6th January Boer storming parties under General C. J. de Villiers began climbing Wagon Hill and Caesar's Camp. They were spotted and engaged by the British and fighting continued throughout the day until, late in the afternoon, a terrific rainstorm broke and the Boers were repulsed in the face of a British bayonet charge in the pouring rain, famously known as the 'Charge of the Devons'.
LEYDS WILLEM JOHANNES: (1859-1940) Dutch Lawyer & Statesman who served as State Attorney (1884-89) and State Secretary (1889-98) of the South African Republic and was the Republic's Special Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary in Brussels during the Second Boer War. D.S., W J Leyds, one page, folio, Pretoria, 9th May 1893, in Afrikaans. The partially printed Minute form from the State Secretary is addressed to the Clerk of the Office and Writing Necessities and requests that a yearly report for 1892 be presented to the Government as soon as possible. Some light overall age wear and minor creasing and a few small tears and areas of paper loss to the edges, not affecting the text or signature, G
ALLENBY EDMUND: (1861-1936) British Field Marshal of World War I who led the British Empire's Egyptian Expeditionary Force during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Empire in the conquest of Palestine (at which time T. E. Lawrence was under his command). A.L.S., Allenby, one page, 8vo, Wetherby Gardens, London, 20th November 1930, to a gentleman. Allenby writes to accept, with great pleasure, an invitation from the Whitefriar's Club 'to be their guest on the occasion of the Christmas Banquet on the 18th December at the Trocadero'. Together with the final page of an A.L.S., Allenby, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d., to an unidentified correspondent, arranging an appointment to meet at the Foreign Office on a day when Allenby will be in London ('I would fit my times to your convenience, if you let me know when you are free') and concluding by expressing his sympathy at the news that his correspondent's brother in law is seriously ill. The first letter with slight traces of former mounting to the upper edge of the verso and both with light age wear and creasing, G. 2
CHAMBERLAIN JOSEPH: (1836-1914) British Statesman, Secretary of State for the Colonies 1895-1903. Chamberlain had the major responsibility for causing the Second Boer War and was the government minister most responsible for the war effort, the Prime Minister rubber-stamping any of Chamberlain's decisions. L.S., J. Chamberlain, two pages, 4to, Birmingham, 20th July 1892, to Joseph Simpson, on the printed stationery of the National Liberal Union of which Chamberlain was President. Chamberlain states that he would be obliged if his correspondent could meet him at a Conference of Liberal Unionists in Birmingham on 27th July and adds 'The object of the Conference is to consider the results of the recent elections and to consult respecting the organization of the Liberal Unionist Party in the Parliamentary Boroughs and Divisions of the Counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire' and concludes by remarking that if his correspondent is unable to be present that he arrange for 'some leading Liberal Unionist' to attend and represent his constituency. Together with Coleridge Grove (1839-1920) British Major General, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for War in 1886 and Military Secretary in 1896, developing plans for universal military training in the British Army before retiring in 1901. A.L.S., Coleridge Grove, one page, 4to, Knightsbridge, 23rd July 1914, to 'My dear Edward'. Grove states that he is not sure of his movements at the weekend but if he happens to be in London will visit his correspondent to 'have a good talk abt. Venice' and if he is not in town then he will write and 'give you all the tips I can about it'. Neatly mounted to the upper edge of the verso and with some light overall creasing, G to VG, 2
KITCHENER HERBERT: (1850-1916) British Field Marshal who served as Secretary of State for War 1914-16 and in this capacity organised the largest volunteer army seen in Great Britain (largely aided by the iconic recruitment poster featuring Kitchener's image, which remains one of the most enduring images of World War I). A fine vintage signed 7 x 10.5 imperial cabinet photograph, the image depicting Kitchener, sporting his well-groomed moustache, in a half length pose wearing his military uniform and cap. Photograph by the Duffus Brothers of Johannesburg and bearing their imprint to the lower photographer's mount. Signed ('Kitchener') by the Field Marshal in bold, dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area at the base of the image. Very slightly neatly trimmed and with some minor traces of former framing to the verso, otherwise VG
WILHELM II: (1859-1941) German Emperor and King of Prussia 1888-1918 during World War I. L.S., Wilhelm R, one page, 4to, Berlin, 22nd March 1897, to [Alexander Frederick] the Landgrave of Hesse ('Serene Prince, Dear Cousin!'), in German. The attractively penned manuscript letter acknowledges receipt of the Landgrave of Hesse's letter expressing his wish for Lieutenant Frhrn. v. Vincke of the 1st Hessian Hussar Regiment No. 13 to be transferred to the Dragoon Regiment Baron of Derfflinger (Neumarkisches) No. 3. With blank integral leaf. Some light overall dust staining, minor creasing and age wear, otherwise about VG Alexander Frederick, Landgrave of Hesse (1863-1945) Hessian Prince, son of Prince Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel and Princess Anna of Prussia. Head of the House of Hesse 1888-1925. Alexander Frederick's youngest sister, Princess Sybille Marguerite of Hesse (1877-1925) was married to Baron Friedrich von Vincke, a member of the Westphalian noble family.
LETTOW-VORBECK PAUL VON: (1870-1964) Prussian General der Infanterie of World War I, commander of the Prussian Army's forces in the German East Africa Campaign. Known as The Lion of Africa, Lettow-Vorbeck was the only German commander to successfully invade imperial British soil during World War I. War date D.S., v Lettow, one page, oblong 8vo, Neu-Moschi (Moshi, Tanzania), 9th October 1915, to the Field Hospital at Korogwe, in German. The typed document grants a four week leave of absence to Leutnant Schulze and states that he must report to the field hospital for an examination at the end of his leave. Signed by Lettow-Vorbeck at the conclusion in his capacity as Commander of the Schutztruppe. With a brief indelible pencil annotation in German to the verso in an unidentified hand, dated 17th October 1915. Some light overall creasing, otherwise about VG The Germans had first established a military camp at Moshi in August 1893. At the outbreak of World War I the Schutztruppe (the official name given to the colonial troops in the African territories of the German colonial empire) were organised into fourteen field companies. Lettow-Vorbeck took command over the 14,000 personnel of the Schutztruppe in German East Africa on 13th April 1914 and led the units throughout World War I. The Schutztruppe in East Africa were the last German formation to surrender - days after the armistice in November 1918.
WOOD EVELYN: (1838-1919) British Field Marshal who had negotiated peace at the end of the First Boer War on 21st March 1881. Because of his involvement in the negotiations of 1881 he was advised by Garnet Wolseley that it would be impossible for him to have a field command in the Second Boer War and was therefore posted to the War Office as Quartermaster-General and Adjutant-General of the Army 1897-1901. Victoria Cross winner for his actions at Sindhora on 19th October 1858 during the Indian Mutiny. War date T.L.S., Evelyn Wood, one page, 8vo, n.p. (London), 6th September 1901, to Colonel Sir Henry Fletcher, on the black bordered printed mourning stationery of the War Office. Wood states that he was sorry to have missed his correspondent, adding 'I was meditating calling on you…..but Hallam Parr told me that you were gone' and further remarking 'I saw a very pretty fight yesterday culminating at Kidhurst Hill'. Together with an A.L.S., Evelyn Wood, three pages, 8vo, Belhus, Romford, 15th December n.y. (1879; incorrectly annotated 1898 in pencil in an unidentified hand), to Mr. J. Robinson. Wood commences 'You liked my mother much - I feel impelled to write to you at once' and informs his correspondent 'She died at five o'clock this morning, very peacefully', further remarking 'You have lost a friend - We the best mother that ever brought up a large family' and in a postscript writes 'Please do not mention my mother is dead, as a relation is entertaining tonight, and I do not want her to hear until tomorrow'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG, 2 Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher (1835-1910) English Politician & Army officer. Dame Emma Carolina Michell (1802-1879) Lady Wood. Wife of Rev. Sir John Stuart Page Wood and mother of Evelyn Wood (along with twelve other children, some of whom died in infancy). Lady Wood passed away at Belhus Park in Essex on 15th December 1879. The second of the present letters may have been written to Sir John Robinson (1839-1903) who served as Prime Minister of the Colony of Natal 1893-97 and had previously assisted his father in establishing the Natal Mercury newspaper.
ALLENBY EDMUND: (1861-1936) English Major of the British Army who served with the 6th (Iniskilling) Dragoons during the Second Boer War. A scarce, early manuscript D.S., E H H Allenby, one page, small 8vo, Porters Hill (Colesberg, South Africa), 9th January 1900, to the Officer Commanding, Royal Horse Artillery, Coles Kop. The partially printed despatch, entirely completed in pencil by Allenby, states, in full, 'Engaged enemy guns in hills W. of Valley. Through it railway runs to COLESBERG junction at 5.30 a.m. Forced to retire at 6.10 a.m. losing 2 gunners wounded & 16 R.H.A. horses killed and wounded. Have not been able to get communication with you by signal. Am now at a point 2 miles S.W. of PALMIETFONTIEN farm, awaiting orders.' Signed by Allenby at the conclusion and completed with various details of the place, date and name ('Major Allenby') at the base. A couple of small areas of paper loss and neat splits at the folds, only very slightly affecting the text, but not the signature, and with some light overall age wear and creasing, FR During the Second Boer War Allenby's regiment took part in the actions at Colesberg on 11th January 1900, Klip Drift on 15th February 1900 and Dronfield Ridge on 16th February 1900. Allenby was mentioned in despatches by the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Roberts, on 31st March 1900.
KITCHENER HERBERT: (1850-1916) British Field Marshal who played a central role in the early part of World War I as Secretary of State for War 1914-16. A.L.S., Kitchener, three pages, 8vo, Balmoral Castle, 14th September n.y. (annotated 1912 in pencil in an unidentified hand), to Colonel Ward. Kitchener informs his correspondent that he agrees with a draft and has 'no objection to my portrait appearing as you suggest', further writing 'I fear owing to my absence and many engagements when I have a short time in England that I shall not be able to do much personally to help the Old Comrades Association'. Together with an original printed 8vo official programme for The Return of Viscount Kitchener from South Africa, providing details of the order of procession and line of route from Paddington Station to St. James's Palace, and also including an original printed 8vo souvenir of the programme of the unveiling of Lord Kitchener's Memorial by the Prince of Wales on Horse Guards Parade, 9th June 1926. Some light age wear and two very small areas of paper loss to the upper right corner of the pages of the letter and some very light, minor age wear and foxing to the programmes. Generally about VG, 3
FRENCH JOHN: (1852-1925) 1st Earl of Ypres. Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force at the beginning of World War I. A good war date A.L.S., with his initial F, one page, 4to, Horse Guards, London, 12th June 1916, to [Archibald] Hunter, on the printed stationery of G.H.Q. Home Forces, marked 'Private' French writes, in full, 'I have spoken to the P.M. in the sense I told you and he received the suggestion most favorably. However it turns out I have done all I can'. With an A.N.S. with his initials ('AH') by Hunter to the verso, in full, 'The proposal was I shd. be promoted Field Marshal'. A letter of interesting content and association. Some extremely light age wear and two very small pin holes to the upper right corner, otherwise VG Archibald Hunter (1856-1936) British General who distinguished himself during the Boer War and later served as commander of the 3rd Army during World War I.
HAIG DOUGLAS: (1861-1928) British Field Marshal of World War I, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. Haig served as Commander during the Battle of the Somme and other significant offensives. Vintage signed sepia postcard photograph, the oval image depicting Haig in a formal semi-profile head and shoulders pose wearing his uniform and medals. Signed ('D. Haig') in dark fountain pen ink to a clear area of the border, adding the place and date ('in France Dec/15') in his hand beneath his signature. One very small pinhole to the upper border. Some very light age wear and minor traces of former mounting to the verso, otherwise about VG
HAIG DOUGLAS: (1861-1928) British Field Marshal of World War I, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. Haig served as Commander during the Battle of the Somme and other significant offensives. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Haig seated in a half length pose wearing his uniform. Signed ('Haig F.M.') in bold, dark fountain pen ink to a light area at the base of the image. Together with an original 8vo printed programme-memoir for the funeral of Haig at Westminster Abbey on 3rd February 1928. One very small, minor tear to the left edge of the postcard photograph and some light age wear, otherwise about VG, 2
HAIG DOUGLAS: (1861-1928) British Field Marshal of World War I, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. Haig served as Commander during the Battle of the Somme and other significant offensives. A.L.S., Haig F.M., two pages, 8vo, Kingston Hill, Surrey, 2nd March 1920, to Miss. Wedderburn. The Field Marshal thanks his correspondent for her letter and continues 'On giving up Command of the Home Forces last month I sent the horse to my regiment (the 17th Lancers) to look after for me, and for me to ride when I visit them this summer. The regt. is at Longmoor.', also adding that he hopes to be riding again next winter when he has the horse back again, remarking 'He has grown into quite a nice horse'. Haig further writes that he has not forgotten his promise to visit, explaining 'I have been so busy with one thing & another that I have never been near Wokingham since my return from France' and concludes 'I am very grateful for your kind words of appreciation of my efforts to remind our countrymen of what they owe to our fighting Forces'. Some very light, extremely minor creasing and age wear, VG
ALLENBY EDMUND: (1861-1936) British Field Marshal of World War I who led the British Empire's Egyptian Expeditionary Force during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign against the Ottoman Empire in the conquest of Palestine (at which time T. E. Lawrence was under his command). A.L.S., Allenby, two pages, small 4to, Wetherby Gardens, London, 24th April (1934), to Hampson Gary in Washington DC. Allenby thanks his correspondent for having remembered his birthday and continues to inform him 'I am going, next week, to Palestine; to unveil the War Memorials at Jerusalem. It will be a very short visit; as I reach Port Said on the 4th May, & reembark for England on the 9th'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Allenby and signed ('A') by him with his initial in the lower left corner. Letters by Allenby referring to Palestine, the scene of his greatest victory, are highly desirable. Some very light age toning and extremely minor traces of professional repair to a split at the central vertical fold. About VG Hampson Gary (1873-1952) American Colonel and Diplomat during World War I. In 1917 he was appointed by President Woodrow Wilson as diplomatic agent and consul general to Egypt in charge of American interests in Palestine, Syria, and Arabia. It was at this time that Gary formed a close friendship with Allenby. Somewhat overshadowed today by the exploits of T.E. Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia'), Allenby's popularity was at its height in Great Britain in the immediate aftermath of World War I. The Field Marshal also enjoyed a period of celebrity in the United States, he and his wife being well received during a tour of America in 1928. The memorial to which Allenby refers to in the present letter was erected in the Jerusalem War Cemetery in honour of over 3000 Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in Egypt and Palestine during World War I and whose resting places are unknown.
LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British Military officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence is renowned for his liaison role during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign and the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. A.L.S., T E Lawrence, one page, oblong 8vo, Cairo, 3rd January 1916, to [Ernest M.] Dowson, on the printed stationery of the General Staff, Intelligence Section, General Headquarters of the Force in Egypt. Lawrence writes, in full, 'Here is more Western Desert (hereafter called W.D.) material. I don't think there is much in it, but you had better have a file of it.' Some light discoloration to the edges of the letter, evidently caused by previous framing, two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, and some slight traces of former mounting to the verso, G Sir Ernest M. Dowson (1876-1950) British Colonial Administrator, advisor to the governments of Palestine, Trans-Jordan, Iraq, Zanzibar and Kenya at various times between 1923-40. Dowson was Director-General of the Survey of Egypt and Lawrence's immediate superior at Cairo prior to the Arabian campaign.
LAWRENCE T. E.: (1888-1935) British Military officer, archaeologist, diplomat and writer known as Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence is renowned for his liaison role during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign and the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. A good A.L.S., T E Shaw, two pages, 4to, Hythe, 15th January 1932, to Flight Lieutenant [W. E. G.] Beauforte-Greenwood. Lawrence writes a technically detailed letter to his correspondent regarding some recent work on motor boats, announcing 'We have now tried two alternative safety "gates" for the gear engagements, & have decided that the best position is on the cam-pulley, for that renders them independent of wiring-up adjustments' and further adding 'Now the next move is to reproduce the successful R.H. engine on the L.H. engine: and then to link up & test', also explaining that he has been in contact with Wing Commander Watkins, who will most likely observe the installation himself and also bring a coxswain and engineer. Lawrence reports that from Monday onwards he and Corporal Jordan will be 'juggling' with the boat, 'getting it right, or getting ourselves right to it' and also states 'It has been difficult, & sometimes disappointing - but now I prefer it to the independent gear & throttle control of the old boats. I think its sweeter & simpler control will much more than make up for the slight extra complexity of fitting, & for the cost…..I find the boat easier to drive, now, than the older boats were'. He provides details of the time lag at both its 'fastest possible operation' and when 'using the gears "gentlemanly-fashion"', observing that 'To accustom oneself to this time-lag is the only lesson peculiar to the Hyland' and also advises Beauforte-Greenwood that he will be taking the next 48 hours off, before concluding 'You will understand of course that this first set is to be scrapped eventually. There is a redesigned telegraph, on paper….Only the principle is settled, now, thank goodness. You will be pleased when you try her next. Will you please tell F/Lt. Norrington that I had a really useful half-hour with his paint expert? I think the new paint worth trying. It closely resembles the Smith racing green, which lasted nine months on my hull'. A few very minor, light creases and some light age wear to a couple of folds, only very slightly affecting a few words of text and not the signature, otherwise VG W. E. G. Beauforte-Greenwood (1878- ) British Flight Lieutenant of the Air Ministry Marine Branch who was responsible for the introduction of high speed motor boats to the Royal Air Force and also recommended Lawrence as the ideal man to conduct the trials and development of the boats. The present letter is written by Lawrence during the period of spring 1931 until the conclusion of his enlistment in February 1935 during which time he was attached to a small team that were dedicated to developing and perfecting high speed boats for use by the Royal Air Force. Lawrence worked with seaplane tenders and armoured target boats, general purpose workboats, refueling dinghies, bomb-loading dinghies and experimental craft. Although biographers have sometimes regarded this period of Lawrence's career as his least interesting, he himself claimed to find the tasks fulfilling (he did after all relish the sensation of speed, either on land or water) and Lawrence demonstrated a grasp of technical issues, proving himself to be a gifted mechanic who encouraged innovation with a genuine and infectious enthusiasm, all of which is reflected in the present letter. The four year time span of Lawrence's involvement with RAF boats was the longest period in his adult life which he spent in the same occupation and he corresponded a lot on the subject, however many of the letters and reports were held in official files which were later destroyed and those that did survive were generally shorter than the example offered here. It has also been argued that there are striking parallels between Lawrence's work from 1932-35 and his more famous role during the Arab Revolt. Lawrence was demonstrating the same talents and achieving significant results - without his input the development of high speed boats may not have been so rapid and his work also had an important impact during World War II when the Air Sea Rescue Service saved more than 13,000 lives. Without Lawrence's contribution many more may have perished. Provenance: A couple of brief pencil annotations and the original retail price (£550) in the hand of the noted English autograph dealer Winifred A. Myers appear in the left margin of the first page.
STORRS RONALD: (1881-1955) British Diplomat, a member of the Arab Bureau during World War I who participated in the organisation of the Arab Revolt and served as Military Governor of Jerusalem 1917-20. A close friend of T.E. Lawrence, Storrs was one of the six pallbearers at Lawrence's funeral in 1935. An excellent vintage signed 9 x 13 photograph, the image depicting Storrs standing in a formal three-quarter length pose, wearing his ceremonial uniform and mantle featuring the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. Photograph by J. Russell & Sons of London and bearing their credit stamp to the verso. Signed by Storrs in bold dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower photographer's mount. A very light crease across the lower portion of the image and minor silvering to the edges, otherwise VG

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