Beschreibung:

Churchill (Winston Spencer). The Story of the Malakand Field Force, an episode of frontier war, 1st edition, 1st issue, Longmans, Green, & Co., 1898, half-tone frontispiece, 2 folding maps, 4 sketch maps, 32pp publisher's catalogue dated 12/97 at rear, no errata slip tipped in (so indicating first issue), scattered minor spotting, pages uncut and largely unopened, contemporary ink inscription to front free endpaper verso, 'E.R. Kersley from Jack Churchill', partly offset into marginal browning of half-title facing, armorial bookplate of Trevor Rostron to front pastedown, original green cloth gilt, a little rubbed and minor soiling, 8vo (Qty: 1) Woods A1a. Provenance: Given to Captain Edward Reginald Kersley DSO (1883-1976) of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers by the younger brother of Winston Churchill Major John Strange 'Jack' Spencer Churchill (1880-1947). The inscription is not in Jack's hand and would appear to be in the hand of Kersley who along with his own brother and the Churchill brothers attended Harrow School. In the Harrovian War Supplement (September 1918) it is noted that Kersley received his Bar to DSO for when 'he took command of his battalion at short notice, and organised and launched an attack which was completely successful, capturing the final objective. He showed great initiative and skill throughout'. Jack Churchill, who had served in the South African Light Horse alongside his war correspondent brother in the second Boer war in 1899-1900, also fought in World War I, where he was again mentioned in Dispatches. He served on the staff of Field Marshal Lord French, General Sir Ian Hamilton and Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, being awarded the DSO in 1918.