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A very interesting and important World War I set of Diaries to…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
9-May-2011
Lot No.
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Description:
A very interesting and important World War I set of Diaries to an Otago Infantryman wounded in action. Frederick Harwood from Levin was working in the Mamukas when the war broke out. He enlisted in August 1915, aged 30. He embarked in November that year with the 8th Reinforcements. During the war he kept small diaries which he posted to his mother to read and for safe keeping, the first diary commences November 1916 - perhaps shortly after he was sent to the front. on 17 November 1916 he very graphically States 'Wounded at 4.30 P.M. by a pineapple bomb striking the parapet of the bay and blowing a portion of it in. A piece struck me in the muscle of the left arm and went through to within a 1/2 an inch and remained there. left for a dressing station and was sent on to 1st Field Amb...' He details being shuffled around from Aid post to Hospital before being operated on the wound was actually rather severe and Harwood was sent to England for hospitalization. He refers to being visited by Mrs. Riddiford of Wellington and of Zeppelin raids. a lot of the diary is a unique insight into the medical conditions in hospitals treating the wounded of World War I and as such is a scarce and unusual historical record. Sold with his pay book, 5 diaries and two railway warrants.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Militaria & Weapons: Ephemera