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
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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, Bloemf](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/14be06b2-007b-4c80-b007-9580f5546a97/468x382.jpg)
[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
GOUGH HUBERT: (1870-1963) British General of World War I, Commander of the British Fifth Army 1916-18. An interesting war date A.L.S., H. P. Gough, four pages, 8vo, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, 22nd August 1918, to Walter [Congreve]. Gough enquires as to his correspondent's health and remarks 'Conan Doyle complains that he can't get in touch with you, so I said I would try & stir you up, which I am now endeavoring to do!!', further asking 'Have you any reports from your 3 or 4 Divn. Commanders of their operations in the March battle? It would be most interesting & useful to get them' and continuing 'I got a most illuminating map from G.H.Q. the other day, giving position every evening & Divns. engaged. I find Byng had 19 Divn. to hold 26 ¼ miles before the battle opened. That equals 1 Divn. to 1 1/3 miles. We…..had 1 Divn. To 2 ¾ miles - viz - less than half the men per yard. He was only attacked by 18 Divn. on 18000 yds of front, lost the whole position the first day, to a depth of 7000 yds in one place & 5000 x everywhere!! That fact is a commentary of L.G.'s statement that he never gave a yard!'. Gough concludes 'If we had had the same number of men per yard as the III Army, we would have had over 30 Divns.!! It would have been a very different show'. A letter of good military content. Some extremely light, very minor age wear, otherwise VG Walter Congreve(1862-1927) English General of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his actions at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, on 15th December 1899. Congreve's 18th Brigade of the British Expeditionary Force participated in the historic Christmas Day truce of 1914 while stationed near Neuve Chapelle. Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) Scottish Author, creator of Sherlock Holmes. Doyle had described the famous Christmas Day truce of 1914 as 'one human episode amid the atrocities which have stained the memory of war'. The March Battle which Gough refers to in the present letter is more commonly known as the Spring Offensive (or the Ludendorff Offensive) and was a series of German attacks along the Western Front beginning on 21st March 1918. The four offensives marked the deepest advances by either side since 1914. By the end of April 1918 the danger of a German breakthrough, which they had seen as their last chance of victory in World War I, had passed. The German Army had suffered heavy casualties and the remaining ground they occupied was of dubious value. In August 1918 the Allies began their Hundred Days Offensive which resulted in the Germans retreating, the collapse of the Hindenburg Line and the capitulation of the German Empire.
RUNDLE LESLIE: (1856-1934) British General of World War I, Commander-in-Chief, Home Army 1915 and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command 1915-16. Vintage signed 6 x 9 photograph, the circular sepia image depicting Rundle standing in a formal half length pose wearing his uniform and medals. Signed ('Leslie Rundle, General') in bold fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount and dated Malta, 1914, in his hand. Together with Archibald Hunter (1856-1936) British General, Commander of the 3rd Army and GOC Aldershot Training Centre and then GOC Aldershot Command during World War I. A.L.S., Archibald Hunter, one page, 8vo, Aldershot, 14th May 1917, to Mrs. Ganrose (?), on the printed stationery of Command Headquarters. Hunter writes to his correspondent regarding their young friend Bower and adds that he is sure her recommendation will prove worthy. Some light foxing and age wear, otherwise VG, 2
SWINTON ERNEST: (1868-1951) British Major General of World War I, played an important role in the development and adoption of the tank in the war. Swinton is also credited as having initiated the use of the word 'tank' as a code-name for the first tracked, armoured fighting vehicles. He also served as the official British war correspondent on the Western Front. A.L.S., E.D. Swinton, two pages, 8vo, Whitehall, London, 11th January 1919, to [James M.] Beck, on the printed stationery of the Demobilisation and Resettlement Department of the Ministry of Labour. Swinton thanks his correspondent for their letter and asks for his stationery to be excused ('I am in my office'), further remarking 'I expect you were correct in not overtaxing your strength by a flight to Paris, and if you felt half as tired when over here as I did in America you must have been disinclined for any extra “stunts”!'. Swinton concludes by thanking Beck for a copy of his book The Reckoning and looks forward to receiving it with eagerness. A letter of interesting association. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG James M. Beck (1861-1936) American Lawyer and Politician, United States Solicitor General 1921-25. Beck had taken a strong stand against Germany at the outbreak of World War I and authored a number of articles and books on the conflict, including The Reckoning: A Discussion of the Moral Aspects of the Peace Problem, and of Retributive Justice as an Indispensable Element which was published in 1918.
CAPPER JOHN: (1861-1955) British Major General of World War I, instrumental in the development of the tank. Capper also pioneered the development of airships in Britain and was involved in large scale military planning in 1918-19. A.L.S., J E Capper, four pages, 8vo, Alresford, Hampshire, 10th February 1920, to Cunningham. Capper thanks his correspondent for a box of beautiful peaches and continues to add that he hopes they will not lose touch with each other again, remarking 'I think you hardly realise how much I missed you from the division & cursed that sniper who got you when you were in command of the 13th Middlesex' and further sending news of his family 'We are recovering from all the stress & worries of marrying our only daughter - our son was killed on the Somme - who was married….to Capt. K. G. Previti (?) (late Royal Marines, & now shortly to become a partner in the Trinidad Asphalt Co. which seems to be a very satisfactory business) who seems a thoroughly good sort. We expect them back from a short honeymoon in Madeira next week & they will settle down…..about 50 miles of us, which in these days of motor cars is neighbourly' and also commenting on the weather in England. Together with Herbert Shoubridge (1871-1923) British Major General of World War I, later Commandant of the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, 1923. Vintage signed 5 x 10 photograph of Shoubridge standing outdoors in a full length pose wearing his military cap and a large overcoat and boots. Signed ('H Shoubridge, Major General') in dark fountain pen ink at the base of the image. Also including Wilson Carlile (1847-1942) English Evangelist, founder of the Church Army in 1882. The Church Army was very active amongst troops in France during World War I, running around 2000 social clubs across the country. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Carlile in a head and shoulders pose wearing his Church Army uniform. Photograph by Ethel Simmons of Baker Street. Signed by Carlile with his name alone in dark fountain pen ink at the base of the image. Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 3
HAMILTON IAN: (1853-1947) British General of World War I, commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force during the Gallipoli Campaign. An interesting T.L.S., Ian Hamilton, three pages, small 4to, Tidworth House, Andover, 10th January 1907, to Captain Wilson, on the printed stationery of the Head Quarters, Southern Command, marked Private. Hamilton thanks his correspondent for their letter, adding that he is always delighted to hear from anyone who served in his Column, although remarking 'but I am indeed sorry to say that I cannot always answer the conundrums they ask me as fully as I should were I not primarily responsible with, and burdened by, correspondence with Officers that have claims upon me in the Southern Command', and continuing 'There is nothing in the world more difficult than the question of providing suitable training for Engineers in time of peace. I remember well Lord Roberts telling me of his experience of Royal Engineers in Afghanistan. In India, as you know, a part of the men go to what is called Military Works - which means Barracks and Cantonments and military roads - except in Baluchistan, which is run entirely by them entirely. from every point of view.', further adding 'Another section of Engineers used to elect to go into the Public Works Department, which was an entirely civil organization, running railways, building bridges and excavating canals. A third portion again elected to serve with their Companies as pure soldiers at Roorkee' and reflecting 'Now the best and most useful category of these, in Afghanistan at any rate, turned out to be the Public Works Department, who were able to do exactly what was required of them, namely, to handle large masses of native labour and manage their Commissariat, control payment, supervision and allotment of work. On the other hand, had any great siege distinguished that campaign, no doubt the more purely Military class would have come to the front. I only write this to show how very difficult it is to lay down any rules, and that no doubt is the reason why there is no definite system of peace training for Field Engineers'. In concluding Hamilton expresses his own thoughts on the matter, suggesting that the Infantry should take on the more elementary duties of Field Engineers, including the repairs of roads and small bridges, and that the Engineers should 'become more and more highly trained specialists in telegraphy, telephoning, bridging, searchlights, ballooning, and probably flying'. In a holograph postscript, signed by Hamilton with his initials IH, he further adds 'I have always found R.E. exceptionally good fighters, notably at Waggon Hill & they should learn so much of drill & manoeuvre as to make them competent, where absolutely necessary, to take their part shoulder to shoulder with the troops of the line'. A letter of good content. Four file holes to the left edge, and some extremely light, minor foxing, not affecting the text or signature. Together with Horace Smith-Dorrien (1858-1930) British General of World War I, a senior commander with the British Expeditionary Force, Commander of the Second Army at the Second Battle of Ypres, 1915. A.L.S., H L Smith-Dorrien, two pages, 8vo, Gibraltar, 3rd November 1921, to Colonel E. E. B. Holt-Wilson of the General Staff at the War Office in London. Smith-Dorrien states that he had been waiting to reply to his correspondent's letter until 'I had seen your boy' and continues to remark 'We all liked him & I hope helped to make him enjoy himself on the Rock - all the boys we saw were an exceptionally nice lot'. In concluding the General reflects 'It is a long time since we fought together at Paardeberg - & I hope some day we may meet & have a yarn'. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Smith-Dorrien. Also including Walter Cowan (1871-1956) British Admiral of World War I. Fountain pen ink signature ('Walter Cowan') with purple stamped title beneath, Rear Admiral Commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron, on a 12mo piece clipped from a letter. Generally VG, 3
![[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Will](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/2263a6cf-7c29-44dc-f22c-d80efff930ee/468x382.jpg)
[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General William Douglas of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, Harold Thomas Cawley being killed at Gallipoli, during the Dardanelles Campaign, at a crater which subsequently became known as 'Cawley's Crater', on 23rd September 1915 at the young age of 37. He was one of 22 Members of Parliament to lose their lives during World War I. Small collection of A.Ls.S., a few contemporary copies of letters etc., most by British officers serving in Gallipoli during the Dardanelles Campaign, all written to Baron Cawley or his wife upon the death of their son, Harold, comprising Major Reginald Allen of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division (conveying details of the circumstances of Harold's death, 'Yesterday morning at about 1am he was with some men of his company in the crater caused by the explosion of a Turkish mine. The explosion had damaged our firing line trenches, & it was necessary for men to go forward into the crater to cover the repairing of the firing line. It was a position of great danger as the front lip of the crater was within about 7 yards of the Turkish line. There was a great deal of bombing & firing there during the night & the men in the crater had begun to get uneasy, when to inspire them with confidence he went forward to the front lip of the crater & fired with his revolver at the Turks. It was then that he was shot through the head & killed instantaneously…..he was buried yesterday afternoon at Cape Helles…..As many of us as could be spared from our duty went down there to the funeral. He was much loved by all of us at Divisional Headquarters.', 25th September 1915), F. M. Allen (father of Major Reginald Allen; writing to Lady Cawley at the request of his son and conveying a message to her regarding Cawley's death, 12th October 1915), George Kemp, 1st Baron Rochdale (British Politician & Soldier, Brigadier-General of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division during the Battle of Gallipoli, 1915; in part, 'I was talking to your son in almost the place a few hours before his death as we, my battalion, have taken over that part of the line. It is a great loss….to the whole division. He was liked by all I ever met…..It becomes here a daily sadder lot. I have lost all my old friends in my Bn…..it is sad work this wearing down to the final extinction of us all - out of 1250 men I have 344 left today. The winter I think may accelerate the extinction, as there is not the faintest preparation for any winter shelter for the men such as they have in France - no overhead shelters - no corrugated iron or timber - and when the rain comes the trenches will just melt away….', 27th September 1915), E. T. Kerby (Chaplain to the 127th Manchester Brigade; in part, 'It was my mournful duty on Friday….to read the Burial Service over the body of your son…..the officers and men of his Battalion appreciated the courage with which he gave up his position as A.D.C. and rejoined his Battalion in the trenches after the heavy losses which it had sustained…..It was only the afternoon preceding the night on which he fell that he was present at the funeral of one of his men which I took & I shall always remember his deep concern that one of them had been killed. He is buried in the cemetery on Lancashire Landing - an appropriate resting place for one who displayed the true Lancashire characteristics of grit and courage & for one who represented a Lancashire constituency….', 27th September 1915), J. A. Farley (comrade of Cawley; two letters stating, in part, 'I think it my duty to send you the photo (no longer present) of his last resting place…..and as I have no need to say [he] met his death bravely, as he was in a very dangerous position, and no one but a fearless Englishman would have faced it….as I write this my blood seems to rush through me, to know how bravely Capt. Harold died….', 12th May 1916, and, writing to Lady Cawley, 'I received your beautiful parcel…..the cake was excellent and the other things just came in time…..what I am greatly indebted to you for is the thoughtfulness of you sending me such a beautiful photograph of your dear son, my beloved master…..While I was opening the parcel, I thought about your dear son, whenever you sent him a parcel to Gallipoli, which was very often, he would always say, “Come along Farley, my excellent mother has sent me another parcel, let us see what is in it”. He would open it and if anything he did not want, such as shirts and sock and Hanker chiefs, he would give them to me…..and then he would share out the eatables…..no doubt you have wondered why he left a staff position to go into the thick of fighting, well there is two reasons that I always will stick to, one I will tell you now, the other I will tell you when I come home, it is a reason, the second one, that Sir Frederick will admire his unfortunate son very much for doing…..he was a brave man, and insisted on going to his regiment, and I insisted on going with him…..I know you can never forget the loss of your two noble and brave sons, but you may find a little comfort to know they died a noble death, and as for Captain Harold, he suffered no prolonging pain, he died in a few seconds with a smile on his face…..the bullet went through the left corner of his mouth and I think went straight through his head….', 10th July 1916) and two contemporary copies of letters, one being that of Reginald Allen's letter included in the lot and the other a copy of a letter from Private C. Beach of the 1/6th Manchester Regiment, written from the Headquarters of the 42nd Division on 26th September 1915, to Lord Cawley and stating, in part, '….the Capt. Was always so very happy in the trenches and he took his instant death under a smile. He has a beautiful grave among many other officers of his own company….Know there's the horses, Risbury and Stuffy. They are both very well and under the most careful handling of General King, to whom I am groom. I will let you know of anything that happens to the horses as long as I am about….'. Typical of letters written by soldiers on active service, the majority are in pencil. Some light age wear and a few minor tears etc. to the edges of some letters. G to about VG, 8The Gallipoli Campaign, also known as the Dardanelles Campaign, took place in the Gallipoli peninsula in the Ottoman Empire between 17th February 1915 and 9th January 1916. The only major Ottoman victory of World War I, the Gallipoli Campaign was disastrous for the Allies and many repercussions followed as ill-defined goals, poor planning, insufficient artillery, weak intelligence and logistical and tactical deficiencies at all levels were exposed. Whilst casualty figures vary greatly, it is estimated that over 120,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom were declared dead, wounded, missing or captured as Prisoners of War. Of the estimated 34,072 deaths, the present letters give a poignant first-hand account of the brave circumstances of just one of these fatalities.
![[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Wi](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/a8c2c724-7ce5-44ff-9a2f-e58ff590d8d4/468x382.jpg)
[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General William Douglas of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, Harold Thomas Cawley being killed at Gallipoli, during the Dardanelles Campaign, at a crater which subsequently became known as 'Cawley's Crater', on 23rd September 1915 at the young age of 37. He was one of 22 Members of Parliament to lose their lives during World War I. Collection of A.Ls.S. by various individuals, mainly political figures, being letters of condolence written to Baron Cawley or his wife upon the death of their son, Harold, including Edward Shortt (Chief Secretary for Ireland 1918-19 at a pivotal point of World War I; in part, 'There was no more popular fellow in the House than Harold….It is indeed a sad thing that such a bright promising career should be cut off. We can all feel pride in his great sacrifice….', 1st October 1915), James Lowther (Speaker of the House of Commons 1905-21; in part, 'The House of Commons has lost in your younger son one of its most promising members, who though he did not often take part in debate….showed that he possessed a firm grasp of his subject….We can ill spare such men and the House of Commons will mourn while it honours him….', 3rd October 1915), Joseph Herbert Cunliffe (British Politician, 2; in part, 'No one could be constantly & closely associated with Harold like I was for several years without realising the nobility & loveableness of his character…..He was I think the most completely unselfish man I ever met. It was so like him to want to go back & fight with the battalion', 2nd October 1915, and 'I am greatly touched by your assurance of Harold's regard for me, & also by the clause in his will….even if the legacy were intrinsically valueless I should prize it for his sake & as an evidence of his kindly feeling for me…..You had every reason to be proud of your boys. I knew Harold of course much more intimately than Stephen & I can truly say he was the very soul of honour….I do not know whether Harold told you that our only boy….got a commission in the Field Artillery last March. He has been out on the Western Front nearly three months & is in the fighting that is now going on. I need not say it is an anxious time for us', 11th October 1915), Anna Philips (of The Park, Prestwich, Manchester; in part, 'I called upon you about 10 days ago to learn how your able son was keeping & the Butler addressed to me he was perfectly safe as he was serving on the Staff….Now I learn he is no longer amongst that brave band of Lancashire men who are doing such wonders in the Dardanelles…..Many times I have thought what a fine political future lay before your able son….', 1st October [1915]), Baron Channing of Wellingborough (American-born British Barrister, Academic and Politician; in part, 'I have just read with the utmost sorrow of this second blow that has come upon you…..I knew him [Harold] just well enough in that last Parliament to know the gentleness & the strength & generous and modest spirit of his fine nature. I know how proud you must have been of his splendid devotion to duty though at times one cannot but mourn that men of such promise should go out to face the terrible dangers of this most appalling war.', 11th October 1915), Walter Long (British Unionist Politician, Secretary of State for the Colonies 1916-19; in part, 'Your son had won the respect & admiration of his opponents & I feel sure he would have made his mark in Parliament had he been spared: he is a real loss to House of Commons….', 1st October 1915), H. W. B. Joseph (British Philosopher; in part, 'I still remember very clearly my first acquaintance with him [Harold] when he came up as a freshman, & how attractive he then was; & further knowledge of him brought no change except to like better…..It is grievous to see so many of those who should have carried on the work of the country in the next generation….falling in this ravenous war.', 2nd October 1915), Arthur Dewar (Lord Dewar, Scottish Politician & Judge; in part, 'Your boys were among the best men & loyal sons I ever knew…..you will be comforted by the knowledge that they died as they had lived - like brave and good men…..I had read Masterman's article in the Nation. It was very good; but nothing that could be written about either Stephen or Harold could exaggerate their real worth. I am glad to say that my boy was not dangerously wounded. But he had four bullets before he fell. In the head - the back - wrist and thumb. He had a narrow escape, but he is safely in hospital in London & going on very well……This is the second time he has been wounded & fortunately his nerve is as good as ever. It is not perhaps quite patriotic, but we hope that his convalescence may take some time.', 25th October 1915), Arthur Ponsonby (British Politician, Writer & Social Activist who opposed the British involvement in World War I; in part, '….I feel most deeply for you in the loss of your son because I knew him and counted him as one of my friends in the House. I was very much struck by him from the time he first came in. He had undoubtedly great ability…..in the rough and tumble of political life such figures are rare and can ill be spared…..This is the second loss you have suffered in this terrible war…..Those who have gone are perhaps more fortunate than those who have to live on and bear the almost intolerable burden of the loss of their dearest companions', 2nd October 1915), Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Harry Verney (British Politician; in part, 'Harold was such a splendid fellow: I don't believe he had an enemy in the House or out of it….', 2nd October 1915), Baron Pentland (Scottish Politician, Governor of Madras 1912-19; in part, 'These recollections help me to measure in some degree the suffering and darkness which have come upon you and your family in the loss of these bright and gallant spirits…', 2nd November 1915), John Barlow (British Businessman & Politician; in part, 'I am sure that if you could have heard as I did the expressions of regret with which the news was received in the lobbies of the House it would have told you not only the deep personal feeling of loss which many of us have but the great liking & appreciation which many of us had for Harold.', 2nd October 1915) etc. Some light age wear, generally VG, 16
![[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Wil](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/988dd7cc-bf5c-40be-acab-90e983e8d90e/468x382.jpg)
[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General William Douglas of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, Harold Thomas Cawley being killed at Gallipoli, during the Dardanelles Campaign, at a crater which subsequently became known as 'Cawley's Crater', on 23rd September 1915 at the young age of 37. He was one of 22 Members of Parliament to lose their lives during World War I. Small series of four A.Ls.S. by various individuals, each of them letters of condolence written to Baron Cawley or his wife upon the death of their son, Harold, comprising H. H. Asquith (British Prime Minister 1908-16; in full, 'Permit me to send you one line of the most heart-felt sympathy. You have been sorely stricken in your country's cause, but you have glorious & consoling memories', on the blind embossed stationery of the Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, 2nd October 1915), Reginald McKenna (British Politician, Home Secretary 1911-15, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1915-16; in part, 'I heard the terrible news yesterday. My wife is as distressed as I am, and I cannot find words to express our sympathy….Harold was such a gallant, true-hearted man with fine abilities and great promise for the future. The horror of this ghastly business is overwhelming….', 2nd October 1915. Harold Thomas Cawley had served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to McKenna from 1911), Pamela McKenna (wife of Reginald McKenna; a lengthy letter to Lady Cawley, in part, 'I could not believe it was true last night when I heard in the House of Commons that Harold had been killed…..You know how we both loved Harold - he was with us so much and always so sweet to me and my babies and so loyal and helpful to my husband. One of the reasons why I most longed for the War to end was to have him back again as the House was so strange without him….He was so loveable…..and so upright and courageous in everything he said and did….I like the full-face photograph of him in the papers today and should love to have one, and if I may, I should much love to have some little thing of his to keep….', 1st October 1915) and Walter Runciman (President of the Board of Trade 1914-16 during World War I; in part, 'The hard & painful news which has now come to you has greatly stirred every one of your friends….Would you let me as one who for two or three years had a peculiarly close connection with Harold say how stirred I have been by yesterday's telegram and how sadly it brings to mind memories of days of work and holiday when his bright and brave individuality were a constant joy….It will always be one of my special grounds for thankfulness that he toiled away for me at distasteful tasks and cheered me up at a time when the support of a man of courage was the one essential element in surviving political storms…..Let me add that when the Cabinet heard this morning that Harold had fallen, all round the table our colleagues expressed their deep regrets at what is a real and serious loss to the House of Commons & Lancashire & the Army', n.d.). Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 4
![[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Wil](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/4d328871-c339-4d9e-bd9e-641912ed4e84/468x382.jpg)
[CAWLEY HAROLD THOMAS]: (1878-1915) British Soldier, Barrister & Politician, a Captain and Aide-de-Camp to Major-General William Douglas of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division of the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, Harold Thomas Cawley being killed at Gallipoli, during the Dardanelles Campaign, at a crater which subsequently became known as 'Cawley's Crater', on 23rd September 1915 at the young age of 37. He was one of 22 Members of Parliament to lose their lives during World War I. MASTERMAN CHARLES (1873-1927) British Politician & Intellectual who worked closely with David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill in designing social welfare projects including the National Insurance Act of 1911. During World War I Masterman played a central role in the main government propaganda agency, serving as head of the British War Propaganda Bureau. T.L.S., Charles F. G. Masterman, two pages, 4to, Wellington House, Buckingham Gate, London, 15th October 1915, to Sir Frederick Cawley, marked Private. Masterman thanks his correspondent for their letter and remarks 'If that little article gave you any kind of solace, I rejoice that I wrote it' and continues 'I would have written a personal letter of sympathy but that it seemed almost useless to say anything under these conditions. You have indeed been heavily hit and given your best for the country', further recollecting time spent with his correspondent and 'those jolly boys of yours', and adding 'I believe Harold would have enlarged and developed his position in the House and would have been found in the Government before the end; but his position and record is better than that of any Government Office to-day'. Together with a newspaper clipping, possibly the article Masterman refers to in his letter, bearing the headlines Capt. Cawley's Exploit - How He Unloaded Ammunition Under Fire. Also including an A.L.S., Charles F. G. Masterman, six pages, 8vo, Victoria, London, 10th May 1925, to [Sir Frederick] Cawley. Masterman apologises for the delay in contacting Cawley, explaining that 'the chaos of party politics, influenza, & the need for immediate journalistic writing' has kept him from working on a final revision, adding that he has 'used every scrap of information that you have been able to give me, & am not entirely dissatisfied with the little memoir of Harold' and also stating 'I knew Harold personally & had the great advantage of letters from him. But I have had no letters from Oswald or Stephen, nor any real account from those who knew them intimately'. Masterman further writes 'I don't know what you intend to do with these manuscripts. If you are issuing them privately I would very gladly write an introduction' and remarks 'Anyhow it is a great story, as I have finally re-read it to-day, of courage, loyalty & devotion, which gives you some special if mournful realisation of what you gave for the saving of this nation in its extremity.' Further including the original typed manuscript referred to by Masterman, seven pages (unfortunately lacking the first page), 4to, n.p., n.d. (c.1925), with various holograph corrections, stating, in part, 'Courage - mental and physical, writes Mr. Masterman - was the outstanding element of Harold Cawley's character….In the House of Commons he was at first sensitive and reserved and a little difficult to know…..He was Parliamentary Private Secretary, first to Mr. Runciman, later to Mr. McKenna at the Admiralty and the Home Office……He liked his work and the life of Parliament. But he never came into his own there, nor had time to reveal his real gifts of intellect and character before he died…..For twelve years he had been an officer in the East Lancashire Territorials…..When the war came he had no doubt at all of his duty and action…..Then came the news of the death of his brother in action in France - a brother to whom he was devoted. “I am helped by the report - I hope true - that he finished, as he always rode in life, at the head of the field, and had his share in the capture of the guns”……”There is a splendid dry air in the desert” he writes again, to Mrs. McKenna, “and the lights at sunset are often wonderful. Just then, it sometimes gives you the feeling that it is good to be alive and on a decent horse. I often do a solitary evening ride out into the hills and see the sunset over Cairo with the pyramids in the distance…..Napoleon's fort standing up on a bluff over the old citadel, with the beautiful minarets of the mosque, and the Pyramids behind, built nearly 4,000 years before either of them.” So he describes these days of resting in Egypt, “wintering like so many invalid millionaires” - but days of impatience…..and longing for action - in France; all unconscious that the tremendous tide of war was drifting towards them on the opposing coasts of Europe, and that amongst the tumbled hills of Gallipoli he would find his grave…..At last the call to action comes; and the only thing he was the least afraid of, was (as were thousands of others) of being afraid. He landed at Gallipoli to find a most sanguinary battle in progress……Throughout the summer he was writing the most vivid and courageous descriptions of that long, costly, heartbreaking warfare in impossible country between the Aegean and the Dardanelles…..In the fight of August 4th he wrote home to a friend, “In my battalion every officer but one of those went forward to attack was killed”…..', continuing to describe the circumstances of Cawley's death and concluding '”I hope”, Harold Cawley had written of his brother's death to a friend, “for nothing better than to finish as well when my time comes”'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise generally VG, 4
CAWLEY JOHN STEPHEN: (1879-1914) English Brigade Major with the 1st Cavalry Brigade during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, John Stephen Cawley being killed in action at Nery, France, at the young age of 34. It was for actions at this engagement, during the retreat from Mons, that three Victoria Crosses were awarded. A.L.S., Stephen, four pages, 8vo, Whitehall, 27th September 1911, to his mother, on the printed stationery of the War Office. Cawley writes a social letter to his mother, informing her of recent activities, 'I went down to Salisbury plain…..I took advantage of my presence there to have a trip in an aeroplane. I went up about 700' - it was perfectly safe as no wind was blowing but I did not enjoy it, as I could not get over the fact that there was 700' of space between myself and the earth. I dined with Father & Oswald at the Automobile club on the night before the Olympic sailed & after dinner O & I went to see Kismet…..' and of his work, 'I shall be rather pressed with work for the next six weeks until the two books on which I am at present engaged are sent off for proofs to be printed, after that work will be intermittent, hard when the proofs come back for correction & easy when they have been sent off again…..'. Together with a small series of poignant A.Ls.S., contemporary unsigned typescript copies of letters etc., by a variety of individuals including fellow officers of Cawley, friends and colleagues etc., all written to either Baron Cawley or his wife, most in the immediate aftermath of John Stephen Cawley's death, including Walter Runciman (President of the Board of Trade 1914-16 during World War I; stating 'I have just heard with the deepest sorrow of the death of your son…..he had led his men so gallantly that the first capture of German guns stands to his credit. In a time when you are suffering great distress at his loss it will I trust be some comfort to Lady Cawley and you that his brilliant career ended as no doubt he would have wished to die when his time had come…..let me add that when his name was read out at the Cabinet today the sentiments I am expressing most imperfectly were rumoured all round the table by those of us who knew how bright, able and high spirited he had been', 3rd September 1914), C. J. Briggs (contemporary unsigned typed copy of a letter written On Active Service detailing Cawley's death, in part, 'On the early morning of the 1st September, when the Brigade was severely attacked, your Son and my Brigade Major was unfortunately hit by a shell on the head. He never recovered consciousness, and died in about fifteen minutes…..He has been a true friend, a loyal, zealous and conscientious Staff Officer to me…..He proved himself to be a real fighter in war, and was always cool and collected…..', 3rd September 1914), G. W. Browne (in part, '….as an old friend & a stout admirer of your brilliant son, with whom I had the honour to serve for 10 years in the 20th Hussars & whom I always tried to copy in every possible way - as being in my opinion the best soldier I have ever met, may I be permitted to express the regret which I feel only too strongly at his death…..The Army & nation have lost a brilliant soldier…..', 10th September [1914]), Major Rex Osborne (contemporary unsigned typed copy of a letter and a further holograph retained draft of the second page only of another letter, written and signed in pencil, in part, 'Our brigade was attacked soon after dawn at Nery by a force double our numbers….Our Brigade headquarters were more or less in the middle of the village and the enemy's fire was mainly directed at the Southern end of the village…..Stephen like the rest of us saw at once that the situation was exceedingly serious….it was an occasion which called for personal example from the senior officers. For this reason Stephen asked the General if he might go the South end of the village, and try to help restore order….He did so and then lay down behind a small bank in the advanced line beside Major Browning…..At that moment Major Ing, Queen's Bays was hit. Stephen said to Major Browning “Poor Ing's hit” and was then himself struck on the right side of the head above his ear and behind it by a piece of shell…..They carried him into a small house which was improvised into a temporary hospital. I went to say a last good-bye to him after he was dead and he looked quite happy. He was buried there…..' the holograph page stating, in part, '….on Stephen's grave the Germans had erected a small wooden cross….I established without doubt that Stephen was one of the 4 officers and all the identity of the other 3, and I wrote their names on the wooden cross. Besides Stephen in that grave lie Capt. Bradbury RHA (VC after death) Lt. Campbell RHA, Lt. de Crespigny Queen's Bays. He, at least, is laid beside men who are worthy comrades'). Some light overall age wear, G to generally VG, 9
![[CAWLEY OSWALD]: (1882-1918) British Soldier and Politician, a Captain with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry during World](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/4bfb330a-75e4-445a-a054-a96e00c63a72/6b39cf6b-3093-4cf9-cc57-51102ad7bdf8/468x382.jpg)
[CAWLEY OSWALD]: (1882-1918) British Soldier and Politician, a Captain with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry during World War I. One of the four sons of Frederick Cawley (1850-1937) 1st Baron Cawley, British Businessman and Politician, who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1916-18. The three youngest sons of Baron Cawley lost their lives in World War I, Oswald Cawley being killed in action near Merville, France, on 22nd August 1918 at the young age of 35. He was one of 22 Members of Parliament to lose their lives during World War I. Small series of four A.Ls.S. by various individuals, each of them letters written to Baron Cawley concerning the fate and death of his son, Oswald, comprising William Spooner (Oxford Don known for his 'spoonerisms'; in part, 'I am grieved indeed to hear of your son's death…..but he died in his country's cause having voluntarily entered into it, and you must feel proud…' , 22nd November 1918), C. P. Scott (British Journalist, editor of the Manchester Guardian; in part, 'May I just say how deeply I sympathise with you in the grievous loss which has again come upon you….Your son Oswald I had the pleasure of sitting next to not long since at a political dinner and was greatly struck by him without knowing at first who he was….Truly he is not your loss only. How often one wishes that the older men of the nation could fight its battles & bear the losses instead of its best hope & promise', 14th September 1918), Ian Macpherson (1st Baron Strathcarron, Under Secretary of State for War during World War I; in part, 'I have been hesitating to write to you in the hope that we should receive some news which would relieve the terrible anxiety which you must be undergoing. So far nothing has come. But we await anxiously for any sign which would enable us to make every possible enquiry to trace your gallant boy….', on the blind embossed stationery of the War Office, Whitehall, 3rd September 1918) and Herbert Fisher (English Historian & Politician, served as President of the Board of Education in the Coalition Government 1916-22 during and immediately after World War I; in part, 'It is with the deepest distress that I have read…..that Oswald is missing and wounded. I earnestly trust that your worst fears may not be realised and that he may be found to have been safely withdrawn to some hospital under enemy control…..those of us, who, like myself, knew Harold as well as Oswald are able to measure the extent of your sacrifice. It seems only yesterday that I had the honour and pleasure of introducing Oswald to the House of Commons, where he received so ardent a welcome…..', 3rd September 1918). A poignant group of letters. Some light age wear, generally VG, 4
CAVELL EDITH: (1865-1915) British Nurse and Patriot, celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction and for helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during World War I. Cavell was arrested, court-martialled and found guilty of treason for her actions. Sentenced to death, the nurse was executed by a German firing squad. Rare A.L.S., with her initial E, to the verso of a picture postcard of the Chapel in the High Street at Mundesley, Norfolk, n.d. (postmark indistinct, c.1913/14), to her mother in Norwich. In bold pencil Cavell writes, in full, 'Mundesley much changed & much grown'. Addressed in her hand 'Mrs. Cavell, 24 College Rd, Norwich'. Autographs of Cavell are rare in any form as a result of her tragic execution at the age of 49. Some extremely minor, light age wear, otherwise VG The present postcard most likely dates from around the time of the outbreak of World War I when Cavell was visiting her widowed mother in Norfolk.
BRITISH MILITARY: A good, small selection of vintage signed postcard photographs by various British Generals, all of whom served in World War I, comprising Douglas Haig (Commander of the British Expeditionary Force), Horace Smith-Dorrien (Commander of the British Second Army) and William Robertson (Chief of the Imperial General Staff). Each of the images depict the Generals in head and shoulders poses wearing their uniforms and all are signed in fountain pen inks, Smith-Dorrien adding the date 1915 in his hand. Some light age wear, otherwise VG, 3
BRITISH MILITARY: Small selection of A.Ls.S. (2), signed clipped piece etc., by various British military and naval leaders, all of whom served in World War I, comprising John French (Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force at the beginning of World War I) A.L.S., J D P French, four pages, 8vo, Horse Guards, Whitehall, 24th June 1908, to Lady Dorothy, on the printed stationery of the Inspector General of the Forces. French states that he has had a lot of work on his hands since returning from Russia and is about to depart again but will arrange to meet his correspondent one evening when he returns, adding '...don't think I can ever forget those delightful & interesting talks we have had together'; William Robertson (Chief of the Imperial General Staff) A.N.S., W R Robertson F.M., one page, 8vo, Westbourne Terrace, n.d., in full, 'I trust you will for ever remain an "optimist".' ; Julian Byng (Commander of the British Third Army amongst others during World War I) Ink signature ('Byng of Vimy') and two additional words in his hand on a small piece clipped from the conclusion of a letter; and Roger Keyes (Admiral of the Fleet who was heavily involved in the organisation of the Dardanelles Campaign) An interesting A.L.S., Roger Keyes, four pages, 8vo, Volo, 17th September 1925, to Lady Malcolm [of Poltalloch?], on the printed stationery of the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station. Keyes states that he is glad that his correspondent and Master Grenfell are pleased and also provides his address in case she writes at short notice to advise that she will be on the Riviera, further remarking that he may also be found at Admiralty House at Malta, 'That is one of the Old Knight's of Malta's Palaces.....It has rather fine reception rooms but like all Italian built houses of those days the bed rooms tho' very large are few - I suppose the Knights slept in dormitories. There is a very fine stair case and on either side in the gallery round it, a marble slab with the names of all the Commanders-in-Chief since 1797 - Nelson was the fifth in the list. The name of almost every great sailor is on those slabs - except our David and the war took him by it. I am very proud to think that my name will be on it.' Some very light, minor age wear, generally VG, 4
GATACRE WILLIAM FORBES: (1843-1906) British Lieutenant General of the Second Boer War, Commanding General of the Imperial Forces at the Battle of Stormberg, the first British defeat of 'Black Week', December 1899. War date Autograph statement signed, W Gatacre, M.Gen., one page, 8vo, Colchester, 22nd June 1900. Gatacre writes, in full, 'The present crisis in South Africa has welded the civil & military people of the British Empire into one harmonious fighting machine'. Together with an A.L.S., W Gatacre, Maj. Genl., one page, 8vo, United Services Club, 1st December 1898, to a gentleman. Gatacre acknowledges receipt of his correspondent's letter 'directing me to attend at Windsor Castle at 3 oc on 10th Dec.'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG, 2 Gatacre's letter is most probably associated with Queen Victoria approving the upgrade of Gatacre to be a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath from a Companion of the Order of the Bath, the announcement of which appeared in The London Gazette on 15th November 1898.
BLAMEY THOMAS: (1884-1951) Australian Field Marshal who served in both World War I and World War II and is the only Australian to attain the rank of Field Marshal. War date T.L.S., T A Blamey, in purple indelible pencil, as Lieutenant Colonel and in his capacity as Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, one page, folio, Divisional Headquarters, Second Australian Division, [Egypt], 6th December 1915, to the 7th Infantry Brigade, marked Confidential. Blamey writes in reference to a minute received from the Headquarters of the 7th Infantry Brigade relating to Second Lieutenant W. H. Bridgland and for information purposes forwards a copy of a letter sent to Headquarters Australian and New Zealand Army Corps regarding the matter, further concluding 'The mess account book forwarded by you is returned herewith'. With an A.N.S. by an unidentified Staff Captain of the 7th Infantry Brigade at the foot of the letter, written from the Headquarters of the 26th Battalion, dated 7th December 1915 and stating, in full, 'Forwarded for your information & retention together with mess account book referred to above'. With some overall age wear, minor staining, light creasing, a few small neat splits at the edges of some folds and some small areas of paper loss to the upper left corner, G In September 1915 Blamey was promoted to temporary Lieutenant Colonel and joined the staff of the newly formed Second Australian Division in Egypt as its assistant adjutant and quartermaster general (AA&QMG) - the senior administrative officer of the division. Published notes recorded in the War Diary of Lieutenant Colonel George A. Ferguson of the 26th Battalion of the 1st Australian Imperial Force state that Second Lieutenant W. H. Bridgland was AWOL and did not accompany the troops when they embarked at Alexandra on 4th September 1915 and that the matter was reported by letter. The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 13th July 1916 also records that Bridgland was cashiered by sentence of a General Court Martial on 18th February 1916, just over two months after Blamey signed the present letter.
MONASH JOHN: (1865-1931) Australian General of World War I. Recognised as the most famous commander in Australian history, Monash is widely considered one of the best Allied generals of the war. The attack made by the allies at the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, which expedited the end of the war, was planned by Monash and spearheaded by British Forces, including the Australian Corps under Monash's command. T.L.S., John Monash, one page, 4to, Melbourne, 20th December 1927, to Rev. C. Irving Benson. Monash confirms receipt of his correspondent's letter and remarks 'I also saw the reference to the gallantry of an individual soldier at Pozieres, but failed to get any confirmation of the story'. He continues 'As a matter of fact, I was not present at this battle, being engaged with my Division - the Third - in another part of the theatre of war' and also concludes 'However, I am disposed to discount a story of this kind, The scale of operations was too large and too varied, and over too extended a front, to make it probable that the action of any individual man, however gallant and self-sacrificing, could have had a decisive effect upon the operations as a whole'. A letter of interesting content relating to one of the most significant battles of World War I. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, one very small tear to the right edge and two very small pinholes in the upper left corner, otherwise VG The Battle of Pozieres occurred in France from 23rd July - 3rd September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. The battle resulted in a British victory and the possession of the plateau north and east of the village of Pozieres, giving the allies a base to menace the German bastion of Thiepyal. However the battle was costly in terms of human lives and Australian historians have commented that Pozieres ridge 'is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth'.
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. Vintage signed sepia postcard photograph, the oval image depicting Jellicoe in a head and shoulders pose wearing his naval uniform. Signed ('Jellicoe') in fountain pen ink to the lower border, further adding 'Thank you very much for your letter' in his hand to the upper border. Postmarked at Aldershot, 15th April 1915 to the verso. Some very light foxing and minor age wear and slight corner creasing, G
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. Vintage signed postcard photograph of Jellicoe standing in a three quarter length pose wearing his ceremonial uniform and medals. Signed ('J R Jellicoe') in bold, dark fountain pen ink with his name alone at the head of the image. Together with a war date A.L.S., Jellicoe, one page, 8vo, Holwell House, Hatfield, 13th March 1918, to Sir Alfred. Jellicoe writes, in full, 'I notice that my peerage has been gazetted. Does that mean that I can now arrange with the Lord Chancellor for taking my seat in the House of Lords?, or is it necessary to await receipt of the Patent please'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG, 2 Jellicoe had been conferred with the dignity of a Viscount of the United Kingdom on 7th March 1918, just less than a week before the present letter was written. The announcement that he had been raised to the peerage as Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa in the County of Orkney appeared in the London Gazette the following day, 8th March 1918.
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. Vintage signed 8 x 10.5 photograph of Jellicoe standing in a half length pose wearing his naval uniform. Photograph by Alice Hughes of Ebury Street, London, 1917, and signed by her in a small hand in pencil immediately beneath the image. Signed ('Jellicoe') in fountain pen ink with his name alone to the lower photographer's mount. Some uniform age toning to the photographer's mount, evidently caused by previous framing, and with very slightly irregularly trimmed edges and corners and some light overall age wear, otherwise about VG
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