Lot 391

Description

WWI, Princess Mary Christmas 1914 gift tin, in brass; another being a replica gift tin in brass but without image and initials, instead the centrepiece has the date '1914', reverse stamped with maker's marks. Both with some tone marks, otherwise fine - very fine. (2)

The first with Princess Mary card for 1915 (this separated at fold); also a letter from Australian Military Forces, 1st Military District, dated Brisbane 3rd December, 1917, as a Memorandum from D.A.Q.M.G., 1st M.D. to Sgt. W.J.Dewar, Sydney Street, Mackay, Q. stating that 'Her Royal Highness Princess Mary desires to make a gift to every person who was serving with the Colours in any part of the world on Christmas Day, 1914. The gift in question is forwarded herewith by Parcel post. Please acknowledge receipt.' (Note: The full distribution of the Gift Boxes was not completed until 1920.)^^William James Dewar, hammersmith, age 32, born at Perth, Scotland; Enl.18Aug1914 at sea on S.S.Bombala, with previous service of nearly ten years including with Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders; NOK wife Annie Dewar at Sydney St, Mackay; to Sgt 27Aug1914; Emb.24Sep1914; WIA 06May1915 at Dardanelles; to 2/Lieut 04Aug1915; to Capt 04Jul1916; various hospitalisations and nervous breakdown and then arrested and dismissed from the service by a General Court Martial on various charges including AWL and misusing public monies 27Sep1917; never returned to Australia and his wife at Mackay commenced divorce proceedings in 1923.