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A makeshift 'Postcard' from…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
7-Dec-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
A makeshift 'Postcard' from Gallipoli: Because of the shortage of writing materials, the soldiers present during the Gallipoli campaign had to resort to using whatever they could scrounge. This makeshift card was made using the lid from a special Crown Virginia cigarette box, endorsed 'On active service. No stamps Available' and is headed 'Dear Sweetheart' from 'Shrapnel Valley' and is addressed to Miss Harding at harbour Street, Mosman bay in Sydney. With a red censorship marking, the date of despatch has been obscured, but the name of the soldier is clearly visible; it was young Horace Peachey, of the 1st division Australian signals Co., writing to his sweetheart. Following the landing at Anzac cove in April 1915, Shrapnel valley (or Shrapnel Gully) became the main route for Allied troops and supplies between the beach and the frontline in the Anzac sector. Peachey went on to serve at Bullecourt in France where he was awarded a military medal for his bravery during the attack on the Hindenburg line in May 1917. An almost identical card (from a different soldier) is illustrated and described at p.109 of Gary Diffen's 'Preparations for war, and, the Australian military campaign at Gallipoli: a Postal history Perspective.'
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Militaria & Weapons: Ephemera