[General Sir Kenneth Anderson, commander of British First Army during Operation Torch.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Kenneth Anderson'), discussing Kenya, the 'severe crisis' in Britain, conscription. With ANS from recipient Brigadier H. H. Dempsey

Published by Dun Eaglais Kippen Stirlingshire Scotland. 14 February Dempsey's note dated 10 August 1960, 1947

  • Signed
  • Used
See all details
Heritage seller

Seller: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, United KingdomRichard M. Ford Ltd

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since November 20, 1997

Association member: ABAILAB

Condition: Used

£ 400.00

£ 4.50 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Dempsey's obituary in The Times, explains how 'In April, 1945, he was appointed Brigadier I/C Administration, East Africa Command', holding the position into the following year, and retiring in December 1947 on account of ill health. For a full account of Dempsey's military career, see his entry in Catholic Who's Who, vol.35 (1952). In an eight-line Autograph Note Signed at the end of Anderson's letter, Dempsey states that Anderson 'had been my personal & immediate superior as G.O.C. in C., East Africa Command, when I was his Brigadier I/C Administration. He became Governor of Gibraltar and has been dead some time now, having himself got a coronary thrombosis.' The present item is an Air Mail letter. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium on blue paper. Addressed to 'Brigadier M. C. [sic] Demspey CBE | No 87 General Hospital | Nairobi | Kenya Colony'. (Anderson has confused Dempsey with the more illustrious General Sir Miles Christopher Dempsey (1896-1969).)Anderson begins by condoling with Dempsey on 'a return of your thrombosis': 'it is no use going on kicking against the pricks, and you must I fear face the need for a quiet life'. He next describes the weather in Scotland ('our 21st day of hard frost & snow'). A report on his wife's trip to the metropolis turns into an attack on the postwar Labour government: 'Kathleen is in London trying to buy clothes by candle & torch light and shivering in her hotel. I fear this country is in for a very severe crisis, made worse by the theories & idealisms of the Govt, which fiddles while Rome does not burn.' After more domestic news he reports: 'I saw Brown and also Fisher while in London at the end of last month. The War Office continues hopeful about all their grand schemes for Kenya: but it will be a miracle if they get 1/10th of the present estimated cost. And, on the same lines, I dont see how the country can carry a large Army and 18 months conscription. We are so hard pressed economically that I think it is fanstastic to try & carry such a Burden.'.…

Seller Inventory # 20974

Bibliographic details

Title
[General Sir Kenneth Anderson, commander of British First Army during Operation Torch.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Kenneth Anderson'), discussing Kenya, the 'severe crisis' in Britain, conscription. With ANS from recipient Brigadier H. H. Dempsey
Author
General Sir Kenneth Anderson [General Sir Kenneth Arthur Noel Anderson, KCB, MC] (1891-1959), commander of British First Army during Operation Torch [Brigadier Harry Hamilton Dempsey CBE (1895-1973)]
Publisher
Dun Eaglais Kippen Stirlingshire Scotland. 14 February Dempsey's note dated 10 August 1960
Publication year
1947
Signed
Signed by Author(s)

Richard M. Ford Ltd

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since November 20, 1997

Association member:

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item14 to 45 business days5 to 10 business days
First item£ 4.50£ 8.85
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Cash
  • Cash on Delivery
  • Check
  • Direct Debit
  • Money Order

Store description

Private premises. Autographs, manuscripts and archives on any subject. Particular interest in publishing and bookselling history. Occasional catalogues. Company number: 03785276

Specialty

Bookselling History, Publishing History, Autographs And Manuscripts

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Richard M. Ford Ltd

7 The Close
Norwich, United Kingdom NR1 4DJ