WORLD WAR I: Edmund Allenby (1861-1936) British Field Marshal of World War I. A.L.S., Edmund, two pages, 4to, n.p. (France), 27th August n.y. (1914-17), to 'My dear Nell'. Allenby thanks his correspondent for her letter and remarks that his 'have seldom much of interest', explaining 'One is not allowed to say anything really interesting, lest the Censor should find fault…', further referring to a mutual acquaintance whom he hopes will have good luck as a pilot, adding 'Much good work is being done nowadays by our flying men; and they are far superior to the Germans', continuing to comment on the chateau that he is living in and the surroundings, and concluding 'I have just been watching, from afar, an attack on a bit of the German line. All seemed to go well; but I hear rumours, now, that we have lost some ground again. Still, it is not certain'; John French (1852-1925) 1st Earl of Ypres. Anglo-Irish Field Marshal of World War I. A.L.S., J D P French, three pages, 4to, Middelburg, South Africa, 12th June 1902, to Miss. Ball. French states that the sad news about his correspondent's brother reached him that evening and he continues 'I know well what awful distress you must be in and I long to be able to say anything that might bring you a grain of comfort…..I feel now however you will accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great trouble. Let me say also that I mourn your dear brothers loss….His kindness….&….good nature endeared him to all of us, his comrades, who often depended so much upon his help. I know well what you suffer now and that you can listen to no consolation. But….believe me (as an oldish man who has had many trials in life) that time will ease the sharp strip of pain and bring you comfort.'; William Birdwood (1865-1951) British Field Marshal of World War I. A.L.S., Birdwood of Anzac, two pages, 4to, Cirencester, 28th November (1942), to a General Secretary. Birdwood thanks his correspondent for their letter and an invitation, which he politely declines, as it coincides with when he will be moving home to Hampton Court 'where I must be present in person to see to the getting in of all our furniture etc which will then be just arriving there'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, about VG, 3