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A very important and historic collection of World War I letters,…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
5-Sep-2011
Lot No.
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Description:
A very important and historic collection of World War I letters, from Auckland staff Sergeant Don Gladding to his wife and family back in New Zealand. Gladding was taken prisoner in Greece. He and a group of men (the names of the men involved in the escape were Mick Karup, Tom Freeman, John Lewis, Don Gladding, Sid Hey and Peter Martin-and one other unidentified) managed to escape and lived with the local villagers at Vasilitsi for a number of months. Later the villagers raised enough money to purchase the men a small boat û to which they sailed to freedom, the boat was picked up by HM Kimberley and they were taken to Alexandria, Egypt. One man and his Son (George Bizos) accompanied the escaping New Zealand ers, eventually settling in South Africa. in later years this man became Nelson Mandella's lawyer and recently returned to New Zealand where he met descendants of those men who he helped save. 20 letters and covers as well as some bank notes û some of which are signed by Gladding and his men. One or two letters are missing from the collection however this is a fascinating collection spanning 1940û43. 23129 staff Sergeant Eldon Bramwell Gladding MM, a merchant from Victoria Avenue, Auckland served with 24 Bn, after his escape from Greece he served in north Africa and was awarded the military medal for bravery. His citation reads : 'During the Actions at the Roman Wall Position, in Tunisia, on 25 March 1943, and at Enfidaville, on the 19th April 1943, Staff Sergeant Eldon Bramwell Gladding Was the Company Quartermaster of His Company. While His Company Was Occupying Forward Positions, He Personally Came Forward with All the Meals. in Doing So His Truck Was on All Occasions Under Heavy Shell-Fire, But He Insisted on Getting the Hot Meals Forward in Spite of Considerable Difficulties. His Complete Disregard of Personal Danger and His Determination Inspired All Ranks, While His Provision of Good Meals to the Front Line Troops Greatly Assisted in the Maintenance of a High Standard of Morale. Staff Sgt Gladding Was a Platoon Sergeant in Greece. He Showed Great Coolness and Courage During the Difficult Period. When cut Off From the Remainder of His Unit He Refused to Lay Down His Arms, and Eventually Led His Men to Safety, Evacuating the Party From the Shores of Greece in An Open Boat. at El Alamein in October 1942, As Company Quartermaster Sergeant He Constantly Moved up From Echelon B to the Front Line Under Shell Fire. His Unfailing Courage, Cheerfulness and Devotion to Duty Under Shell Fire Have Been a Constant Inspiration to All Members of His Company. He Has Often Been Successful Where others Have Failed.' a unique collection with a very strong Auckland interest and significance. Estimate
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Militaria & Weapons: Ephemera