Lot 334

Charles de Gaulle 1940 TLS: "In these tragic hours in the history of the world, all goodwill must unite with resolution for the resistance and for victory"

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Charles de Gaulle 1940 TLS: "In these tragic hours in the history of the world, all goodwill must unite with resolution for the resistance and for victory"

Estimate: $400 - $500

Current Bid: $200

(2 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Charles de Gaulle
London, England, July 7, 1940
Charles de Gaulle 1940 TLS: "In these tragic hours in the history of the world, all goodwill must unite with resolution for the resistance and for victory"
TLS with photo

A 1p typed letter in French signed by Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), then Leader of the Free French and future French President, as "C. de Gaulle" at lower right, above his additional printed signature as "Général de Gaulle." July 7, 1940. Free French Headquarters at St. Stephens House, London, England. Typed on paper. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, some well-creased, separated, and reinforced with tape verso, resulting in discoloration recto. Isolated surface loss and tape remnants/discoloration along the top edge. Else good. 7" x 8.75." The letter is also accompanied by a vintage press photograph which will be described below, 7.125" x 9.125".

De Gaulle was temporarily headquartered at St. Stephens House on the Victoria embankment in London before relocating to a more permanent command center at 4, Carlton Gardens in late July 1940. De Gaulle wrote this letter to one H.T. Riddle, a concerned (presumably) British citizen who had rallied to the Free French cause. De Gaulle had made two radio broadcasts on June 18th and June 22nd calling on French citizens in France, in the French colonies, and in the diaspora to come to France's aid in her hour of need. De Gaulle's broadcasts - although explicitly addressed to French citizens and colonists - also indirectly appealed to the sympathies of his British hosts, Americans, and other potential allies.

Translated in full:

"Monsieur,

The sentiments that you expressed in your letter are to me a precious encouragement, and I thank you very warmly.

In these tragic hours in the history of the world, all goodwill must unite with resolution for the resistance and for victory.

I have taken note of your offer of collaboration and will not fail to call upon your support if the case arises.

Believe, Monsieur, in the assurance of my distinguished consideration,

C. de Gaulle.

Général de Gaulle."

H.T. Riddle's offer of support was not insignificant. The French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, formally organized foreign national combatants into a military service. Between the start of World War II in September 1939 until the end of 1942, the French Foreign Legion was actively fighting on multiple international fronts, including in Norway, Indochina (Vietnam), Syria, Lebanon, Eritrea, Senegal, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The vintage Wide World Photos, Inc. press photograph is a black and white glossy photograph dated July 3, 1940. The typed caption reads in part: "Gen. De Gaulle in England. England - General Charles de Gaulle, leader of continued French resistance to Germany, shown leaving his London office recently. Photo passed by the British Censor. HH-7/3/40 s." The typed caption is affixed to the bottom of the photo, which has been lined with red grease pencil. Hand-stamped and annotated verso. Expected wear including wrinkles and a closed tear affecting the left edge. Else very good. 7.125" x 9.125".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: letter: 7" x 8.75"
  • Medium: TLS with photo

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000