Buy this book on-line FIELD-MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, K.T., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief, British Armies in France : ONLY KNOWN COPY OF ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 11, 1918: HAIG'S "WITH OUR BACKS TO THE WALL" ORDER
8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is the only known facsimile copy of the original handwritten draft Order of the Day for Thursday April 11, 1918 penned by General Douglas Haig, Commander of the British forces in France during WWI. This document was examined by Dr. Iain Brown of the National Library of Scotland. It is acknowledged that the original handwritten item is lost to history, uncatalogued anywhere thusly this photographic facsimile taken soon after authorship is rendered the only known copy of the original complete with Haig's corrections. Known as Haig's "Backs to the Wall" order this original document includes the complete original text and Haig's pencil deletions which will be of particular interest to collectors and historians. A simply extraordinary relic of World War I. This memorandum reads: To ALL RANKS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE Three weeks ago to-day the enemy began his terrific attacks against us on a fifty-mile front. His objects are to separate us from the French, to take the Channel Ports and destroy the British Army. In spite of throwing already 106 Divisions into the battle and enduring the most reckless sacrifice of human life, he has as yet made little progress towards his goals. We owe this to the determined fighting and self-sacrifice of our troops. Words fail me to express the admiration which I feel for the splendid resistance offered by all ranks of our Army under the most trying circumstances. Many amongst us now are tired. To those I would say that Victory will belong to the side which holds out the longest. The French Army is moving rapidly and in great force to our support. There is no other course open to us but to fight it out. Every position must be held to the last man: there must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall and believing in the justice of our cause each one of us must fight on to the end. The safety of our homes and the Freedom of mankind alike depend upon the conduct of each one of us at this critical moment. D. Haig F.M. Thursday, April 11th, 1918. On the later printed order, the word FLANDERS was later added in the opening address. The manuscript order has traces of mounting on the back, traces of glue from mounting show through mostly in the upper right corner. Three centimeter tear lower centre left edge, and a dogear crease otherwise very good.. Book Condition: Good Click here for full details of this book, to ask a question or to buy it on-line. Bibliophile Bookbase probably offers multiple copies of FIELD-MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, K.T., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief, British Armies in France : ONLY KNOWN COPY OF ORIGINAL HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 11, 1918: HAIG'S "WITH OUR BACKS TO THE WALL" ORDER. Click here to select from a complete list of available copies of this book. Bibliophile Bookbase lists over 5 million books, maps and prints including libri antichi, livres rares, collectables, out of print books and out-of-print books. Bibliophile Bookbase for antiquarian books, maps and prints. |