Ending 2nd Aug, 2022 16:00

Timed Auction - Militaria

 
  Lot 63
 

Second Boer War photograph album, 200+ photographs

An important Second Boer War photograph album compiled by (then Captain) General Sir Cecil Frederick Nevil Macready, 1st Baronet, GCMG, KCB, PC (Ire) (7 May 1862 – 9 January 1946)
circa 1899-01

The album begins with a small number of personal photographs of his family in Aberdeen in September 1900, presumably sent to him by family whilst he was in South Africa; followed by approximately 205 Boer War-related studio and personal photographs with illustrations documenting his service with the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, including the Siege of Ladysmith. The majority of photographs throughout are captioned with names and details, such as a good group photograph of seventeen soldiers including Capt. Macready; with a pasted down pencil sketch to the opposing page that lists the names of the sitters with their relative positions.

Elsewhere, there is a large double photograph overlooking Caesars Camp at Ladysmith, accompanied by an ink sketch detailing areas of note in the camp. Two illustrations of shells with a hand-written list; photographs of Camp Sikofu including the Officer's Mess. Further photographs include General Lyttelton with Chief of Staff (Natal Field Force) Herbert Miles; General Kitchener and Regiment "in donga" below Wagon Hill, Ladysmith; together with views of Fort Haldane; Fort Simpson; Small Fort "Windsor Castle": Camp Fort Carnegie; Gordon Highlanders crossing a drift in Transvaal (1900); dead Boers killed in action at Bergendal; portraits of Macready (titled 'self'); Durban; a Zulu Warrior; Amajuba; views of local people, camp life, battle positions, casualty gravesites, various officers and other soldiers.

Additionally, there are eleven albumen prints by J. Wallace, Durban, 20 x 14cm of the Siege of Ladysmith comprising: 'Long-tom' firing and damages to various buildings; caves on the riverbank; shells exploding, searchlights and dynamos used for rebuilding the lines at night; a church destroyed by shelling; a hot air balloon ascending, damage to the Town Hall and the Naval Brigade of H.M.S Powerful.

Notes: Macready saw active service in the Second Boer War and served in the besieged garrison at Ladysmith from October 1899 to February 1900. As a captain, returning from bringing in wounded, he notably met Major-General John French on the battlefield of Elandslaagte, giving him a cup of coffee that he had looted from the Boers. He was mentioned in despatches twice and promoted to brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1900. Medal rolls show he was entitled to the Belfast, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Elsandtaage, Defence of Ladysmith and Laing's Nek clasps.

Provenance: This photograph album comes from the same collection as the Irish Times album personally gifted to Macready following the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Sold for £800


Condition Report

Spine at fault and boards detached.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.

 
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