Description:

Milne A.A.

Single page ALS, 5.25" x 7", extensively written both recto and verso, including sideways and in the margins wrapping about the page, on Cotchford Farm, Hartfield, Sussex letterhead. Dated "2.xi.44", and signed by A.A. Milne using the nickname given him by his son of "Blue". Expected folds else near fine.

Milne's lengthy letter was addressed to his longtime friend and peer, Vincent Seligman, in which he laments about Christopher Robin's battle injury, but also focuses on the accolades that Christopher Robin has received from his officers and peers. Milne rambles from point to point, writing in one long meandering paragraph.

"Moon is now at a convalescent home near Bani … Where are you up to in his saga? I forget. Well anyway, after saving civilization at Anzio in February, what was left of his division was withdrawn to the M.E for reinforcing and refitting (stopping at reserves to help repel the (illegible), and were there until the end of July, mostly in Palestine. Moon had two short (illegible) - in Cairo and Haifa; played hockey, cricket and water-polo; swam in the sea of Galileo and the Dead Sea, explores Jerusalem and was photographed in Bethlehem. They went back to Italy after a few days in Rome first. Then … the biggest bridge of the division had ever built in world record time; spent four days where no white (infantry/man had ever stood ) living with Italians and recessing road … for which he got a "Highly commended by the Corps C.E." and after a month of fighting was wounded. "The (illegible) line was hell, it made me almost literally sick at times. … has to be fought for, and it was only the genius of our Generals and the heroism of our infantry which got us through" He has two very nice tributes to him from fellow officers. His present Co. wrote: "He is a first class officer, very popular with all his men, and his .. A lot of invaluable work in the past few months". And his familiar 2 … to his wife (who passes it on to us) "Chris Milne is one of the bravest boys I know." … he was offered 3 months at the Junior staff school in the M.E. with a third pip to follow; and refused because he didn't want to leave the division. But he said nothing about it to us - obviously because it would have made it so … for us, if the worst happens afterwards. Now he tells us; and knowing what hell it was for us when he was wounded, asks us what we should like him to do if other such chances come. Yes, I was rather restrained in "The Times"; but in answer to a letter from a doctor who has read it, and wrote to tell me, anyway other things, that I should thank God that things had been getter than I expects, and (completely crackers) "what do … suffering: his … as compares with their sacrifices?' I was not so restrained. I began "Sir, your foolish letter was received". And ..after a careful analysis of his bone - healed almost terrifying stupidity "In short, your letter was entirely misconceived, and should never have been delivered

Ever affectionately Blue".


Perhaps the most difficult transition is for the reader, who knows Christopher Robin in the context of "Winnie The Pooh".

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