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Auction: CSS109 - The ‘Connaught’ Collection of Hong Kong, Part 2
Lot: 6658

Hong Kong
China Expeditionary Force
F.P.O. No. 1 (Legation Gate, Peking)
1905-06 two covers with their original letters from Hamilton St Clair Bower (Commander of the Legation Guard) to his uncle in Bishop's Waltham; the first (24.12) cover bearing Q.V. ½a. pair tied by type 50 c.d.s., the reverse bearing Base Office B c.d.s. (25.12) with the letter on Legation Guard paper. The letter gives an account of his trip to Dalny and Port Arthur and notes the excitement of the Shanghai riots.

The second letter (8.7) is from Tientsin bearing K.E.VII 1a. tied by "F.P.O. No.4" c.d.s., the reverse with Base Office B c.d.s. and part Bishop's Waltham arrival. In the letter he complains about the government and the reduction of artillery as well as his command. Fascinating letters from a senior soldier. (2 covers)

Major-General Sir Hamilton St Clair Bower was appointed Commander of the Legation Guard in Peking on 1 December 1901, and served as such until 24 November 1906. Appointed Brevet Colonel 10 February 1904. Appointed Squadron Commander, 17th Cavalry 15 October 1906, promoted Lieutenant-Colonel 23 October 1906. In January 1908 he was the second in command of the 17th Cavalry.

Estimate
HK$4,000 to HK$6,000

Starting price
HK$2800