A collection of photographs, printed ephemera and a few miscellaneous items relating to the First World War service of James Allen Chauvel (1868-1938), younger brother of General Sir Harry Chauvel (1865-1945)
James Chauvel embarked Brisbane on 26 October 1916, disembarking at Suez on 3 December. He was appointed for transport duty back to Australia, and was attached to the Remount Unit awaiting embarkation on A50 'Itonus' on 24 December 1916. When the vessel was torpedoed off Port Said on 21 December, he was ordered to Moascar for duty at the Australian and New Zealand Training Centre and Details Camp. On 1 August 1917 he was appointed Commanding Officer of the Details Camp; he eventually embarked for Australia in July 1919, with the temporary rank of Major. The collection contains over 160 original photographs, the most significant one being a portrait of Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel on horseback, inscribed and signed 'Harry Chauvel | Damascus | 2.10.18'. One group of 70 photographs, mainly vintage prints, depicts the Australian Light Horse in the Middle East. There are many interesting images (often with detailed captions), including four showing the Asluj bridge being destroyed by the 1st LHB. Captions include 'Near Romani'; 'On the beach at El Arish'; 'Taking ammunition up to the front line, Jordan Valley'; 'Pumping Station at Beersheba'; 'Camel Corps entering Beersheba'; 'Magdhaba Prisoners in the Compound at Arish'; and '1st Bgde a few minutes after taking El Arish. General Cox tent being pitched'. Harry Chauvel appears in a number of these photographs. One unique item is the souvenir menu for the 'Schola Grammatica Sydniensis Re-union Dinner on Active Service. Jerusalem, 31st July, 1918'. This example is signed by 21 of those present, including Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Chauvel (the president of the group), his brother (Captain) James Allen Chauvel, Lieutenant-Colonels C.D. Fuller and J.C. Storey, and numerous other officers. Provenance: James Allen Chauvel; by descent. [A quantity; full details available on request].
Item #140881
Price (AUD):
$14,000.00