Newfoundland. 1939-44 Correspondence from David Freeman, Chi...

Estimate

£300 - £350

Newfoundland. 1939-44 Correspondence from David Freeman, Chief Officer with the Furness Line, to Georgina Little, his fiancé who he married in 1943. The remarkable correspondence records his service on four ships including the Hospital Ship "Newfoundland", three of these ships being sunk by enemy action; Freeman was rescued unhurt from the sinkings of the "Nerissa" and "Pacific Pioneer" but spent three months in hospital in North Africa after being rescued from the hospital ship "Newfoundland", sunk by a German Dornier off Salerno. The correspondence comprises a 1939 letter written upon graduating from the L.M.S School as a Lieutenant, his prewar Sea Scout card, and a 1940 photograph in uniform; 1941 letters written from the "Nerissa" (2) and "Lancastrian Prince"; 1941-42 letters (2) and airgraphs (2) from the "Pacific Pioneer"; 1943 letters (3), airgraphs posted at F.P.O 590 (3, North Africa) and an airgraph with envelope all from the "Newfoundland"; 1943 (Sep 22) letter on American Red Cross notepaper sent within a U.S 6c stationery envelope cancelled at U.S A.P.O 330, air letters franked 3d (3) and an airgraph all sent from 96th General Hospital in North Africa; 1944 letter from Bristol Royal Infirmary, and an airletter from his wife in England to the 96 General Hospital, B.N.A.F, returned to England. Also a 1943 (Nov 15) letter from Johnston Warren Lines Ltd forwarding news of Freeman, postcard of the "Lancastrian Prince" and a 1943 press Photo showing wounded Italian P.O.Ws being repatriated on the "Newfoundland". An interesting correspondence with seven letters from the "Newfoundland" (four postally used including an airgraph) and eight other postally used covers or airgraphs, well written up with a comprehensive article by Peter High. (27).