Lot 3915

Description

Gallipoli evacuation, secret Operation Order No.1 by Major P.P.Fitzgerald, Commanding 20th Btn, 5th Bde A.I.F., 20th Btn Hd. Qrs., Walkers Ridge, 17-12-15, original printed four page document detailing all procedures for evacuation and embarkation table for 20th Btn on first night and second night, together with handwritten note, 'Dearest Mum, The enclosed is a copy of the original order for the evacuation of Gallipolli (sic) which I want you take charge of for me. It is valuable. Am writing -, Love Roy.' The letter heavily foxed, the Order with multiple folds and splits along most folds but still easily read and a scarce original Gallipoli document with provenance, very good.

The person who wrote the letter and posted it from France to his mother in Lane Cove was Cpl Roy Hamilton Armstrong, clerk, age 29, born at Balmain, NSW; Enl.23May1915; previous service, 5 years with 1st AIR; Emb.19Jun1915; 31Aug1915 at Gallipoli with 20Bn; 26Jul1916 WIA France, GSW leg; RTA 29Sep1917; Disch.26Oct1917 Medically Unfit.