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239

BERNARD L. MONTGOMERY

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
BERNARD L. MONTGOMERY

<b>239. BERNARD L. MONTGOMERY</b>
<hr align=left size=5 width=33% color=#778899>(1887-1976). British Field Marshal who began the drive at El Alamein that ultimately drove Rommel from North Africa; played a prominent role in the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. Excellent collection of 11 ALsS, 12mo and 8vo, 1926-47. A series of letters penned to M. E. Burkhalter at Sporthotel Wildstrubel, Lenk, Switzerland, mostly signed as “<i>B. L. Montgomery</i>” with rank as Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. The majority were penned on Staff College, Camberley stationery. The first advises that he has “<i>married Mrs. Carver</i>” and would require “<i>some adjustment of rooms</i>...” to include an adjoining room “<i>for the two boys</i>...” Accompanied by the “only existing photograph of Montgomery’s wife” according to the newspaper caption, plus the young colonel. Also Aug 17, 1926 confirming reservations. On Sep 21, 1927, Montgomery announces the birth of a son and that “<i>we cannot come out to Lenk this winter.</i>..” Oct 7, 1928, Montgomery asks for “<i>the cheapest rate...as little as possible as I am an old customer.</i>..” Oct 15, 1928, confirming reservations and other details. On Staff College, Quetta, India, letterhead, Apr 12, 1936, Col. Montgomery requests reservations to include his wife and eight-year-old son for three weeks during Christmas. He “<i>should want nice, sunny, rooms with a balcony and a good view.</i>..” On May 15, he confirms reservations and advises that his stepson, “<i>now a Lieutenant in the Army</i>” would be joining them. Montgomery writes again from India on Nov 30 requesting that any letters or papers arriving for himself or his wife be held upon their arrival. ALS as “<i>Field-Marshal</i>,” 1½pp, Nov 17, 1945. On “Headquarters, British Army of the Rhine” letterhead, Montgomery informs Burkhalter the is “<i>sending one of my staff officers to collect from you all my skis, boots, napsachs, etc. etc...I often recall the very happy days I used to spend at Lenk. Much has happened since I last visited The Wildstrubel Hotel. I hope later to pay you a visit.</i>..” On Dec 12, 1945, Montgomery writes from London thanking Burkhalter for his letter. “<i>I hope to arrive in Gstaad on 4 February. I will try and get over one day...I could come & have lunch with you</i>...” He signs boldly, “<i>Montgomery of Alamein Field-Marshal</i>.” Included is a photograph of Montgomery seated with another gentleman, presumably Burkhalter. Lastly, on Chalet Gifferhorn, Gstaad letterhead, Feb 18, 1947, the field marshal writes that he will not be going to Lenk that winter but would be “<i>concentrating on having a really good rest at Gstaad</i>...” and sending his regards, again signing “<i>Montgomery of Alamein Field-Marshal</i>.” Plus three snapshots of Montgomery’s boots, skis and ice skates accompanied by four labels signed “<i>Colonel Montgomery</i>” in his holograph. Present also is an ALS by Montgomery’s stepson, 8vo, 2pp, London, Dec 7, 1940. Interesting war-date content of family and friends and stating, “<i>General Montgomery is now one of our most brilliant generals</i>...” Included with the collection is a nice ANS on small Royal Air Force Club Christmas card from Air Marshal <b><font size=-1>J. J. Breen</font></b> mentioning that skis are “<i>quite unobtainable here</i>” and that he is glad “<i>that this war is over.</i>..”; a TLS by Montgomery’s aid, Jun 23,1945, from TAC Headquarters, 21st Army Group, thanking Burkhalter for his kind messages and that Montgomery was glad Burkhalter had come through the war well. With group photo around dining table that includes Montgomery. Also a typed letter to Montgomery’s headquarters advising that his gear, specified, had been sent. Unsigned. Finally, a TLS by Montgomery’s ADC on TAC Headquarters, British Army on the Rhine letterhead, Mar 15, 1946, thanking Burkhalter for photos he sent, with envelope marked “On His Majesty’s Service.” Seven letters signed by Montgomery as Colonel evidence file holes with some paper loss at left edges away from signatures; else VG.

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