Lot #310 - HMS Achilles concert programme. Signed by Captain W E Parry, Lieutenant R E Washbourn, Lieutenant G G Cowburn and about twenty other crew members.
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Auction House:Webb's
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Sale Name:Bethunes at Webb's Historical Photography and Rare Books
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Sale Date:20 Feb 2012 ~ 10am
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Lot #:310
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Lot Description:HMS Achilles concert programme. Signed by Captain W E Parry, Lieutenant R E Washbourn, Lieutenant G G Cowburn and about twenty other crew members.
1940. 124 x 184mm. [2]p. Sheet of card. List of music played and signature of Bandmaster B W Marsh in ink on front. Signatures of crew members in pencil on reverse. Rank and position annotated in ink beneath or beside most. When the cruiser HMS Achilles opened fire on the German 'pocket-battleship' Admiral Graf Spee on 13 December 1939 it became the first New Zealand unit to strike a blow in the Second World War. With the New Zealand ensign flying proudly from her mainmast, Achilles also became the first New Zealand warship to take part in a naval battle. The subsequent scuttling of the Graf Spee represented a major victory for the Royal Navy. The role of Achilles in the Battle of the River Plate was a source of pride for New Zealanders. Their men had come through the test of combat with flying colours. There was huge excitement when Achilles returned to New Zealand in February 1940. The crew, cheered on by an audience of 100,000, paraded to the town hall in Auckland, where this card was signed. G. -
Estimate:NZ$800 - 800
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Realised Price:
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Category:Books & Manuscripts
This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.
