Two First World War diaries unearthed by Hansons
Auctioneers are set to go under the hammer on August 7.
The diaries belonged to two different artillerymen but
militaria expert Adrian Stevenson believes they may have been related. The
first diary, written in a Field Message Book, belonged to 64350 Gunner H
Belshaw, Royal Garrison Artillery.
Its front cover provides the dates April 1, 1916 to
December 31, 1917. However, some pages are missing and the diary ends on August
23, 1917. Belshaw offers extensive
coverage of his day-to-day activities on the Western Front and includes notes
relating to the fateful day of July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the
Somme.
The second diary belongs to Captain John Oliver Mark
Ashley, 109 Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, and begins on January 1,
1918. It runs for the whole year and offers notes on Home Service as well time
on the Western Front.
His account as an officer gives a different insight into
the war compared to that of a private soldier. An entry for November 11, 1918,
written in Teddington, London, states in block capitals ‘THE END OF THE WAR!’.
The lot includes a large scrap book brimming with photos,
maps and papers which belonged to Captain Ashley. It covers his post-First
World War career in the Army, service in India before the Second World War and active
service in Italy during the Second World War until December 1945 when he
retired.
The war memorabilia, lot 123, is due to go under the hammer
on August 7 in Hansons’ Medals, Militaria and Firearms Auction with an estimate
of £300-£400. To find out more or arrange a free valuation of medals/militaria, please email: [email protected].
CLICK HERE to view the August 7 Medals, Militaria & Firearms Catalogue
