Three First World War documents by Sir Aylmer Haldane: mimeographed Armistice 'Special Order for the Day' to VI Corps; Autograph Letter Signed ('A. Haldane') to Brig.-Gen. H. C. Potter; manuscript copy of address to 3rd Division on Spring Offensive.

The three items are in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. ONE. Autograph Letter Signed from Haldane to Potter. Head Quarters, VI Corp; 11 August 1916. 1p., 4to. In a difficult hand. He apologises for having to 'depart so hurriedly'. 'I want to thank you for the very loyal way you helped me when I was in command of the 3 Division and express my thanks through you to Buchanan and Prideaux and of your staff. You all spared no pains to bring about success and I am very grateful to you.' He hopes that 'Buchanan will get a brevet and Prideaux a suitable when you send in their names.' He is sending his recommendation 'to Collins'. TWO. Manuscript copy of address from the 'A. Haldane | Lieutenant General Commanding VI Corps', expressing 'his intence [sic] admiration for the unconquerable spirit and Spartan like valour which the 3rd. Division has displayed during the fierce fighting of the past nine days. [i.e. the start of the Spring Offensive]'. 30 March 1918. 3pp., 4to. THREE: 'SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY | by | Lieut-Colonel [last word amended in pencil to 'General'] Sir Aylmer-Haldane, KCB, DSO. | Commanding VI Corps'. 14 November 1918. 2pp., 8vo. Mimeographed in blue ink. At end: '(ed.) A. Haldane. | Lieutenant-General, | Commanding VI CORPS.' Begins: 'The acceptance by the enemy of the terms of the Armistice laid down by the Allies is a suitable moment at which to summarise the work of the VI Corps since the 21st of August 1918. | On that date the Guards, 2nd and 3rd Divisions assaulted the position where the enemy had been finally checked after his March offensive, and broke through it, the brunt of this attack falling on the 3rd and Guards Divsions. Two days later the 62nd Division joined the Corps. The enemy stubbornly opposed every year of our further advance eastward, but was forced back to the ST. QUENTIN CANAL, and the HINDENBURG Defence System.' Concludes: 'To all Ranks of the VI Corps I tender my sincere thanks. The work which they and their comrades have accomplished will live in the memory of the British Emp[i]re for all time.' From the Potter papers. An excessively scarce item, with no copy on COPAC or at the Imperial War Museum.?>?>