Second Hand Extracts from the Diary of R. C. Graves Sawle, Coldstream Guards, October-November 1914

Contemporary duplicated typescript entitled "Extracts from the Diary of R. C. Graves Sawle, Coldstream Guards, from October 10th to 2nd November 1914, with the British Expeditionary Force in France." It records the experiences of Lieutenant Richard Charles Graves-Sawle of the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, during the opening months of the First World War.

The typescript comprises 16 pages numbered 27-42, followed by two unnumbered leaves. It is typed on one side of each foolscap sheet and held in contemporary dark card wrappers with a silk ribbon fastening. The pagination identifies this as an extract from a longer diary; the earlier pages are not part of this item.

Written as daily entries, the account follows Graves-Sawle as he travels to join his battalion and serves around Ypres during the First Battle of Ypres. He describes trench construction, marches, shellfire, changing positions and actions around Zonnebeke. His final diary entry is dated 2 November 1914, the day on which he was killed in action. The final two leaves contain an appraisal by his commanding officer and an obituary.

Graves-Sawle was educated at Harrow and Sandhurst and commissioned in 1908. He was originally buried in Polygon Wood, but his grave was subsequently lost; he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.

A poignant contemporary record of a Coldstream Guards officer's experience in France and Flanders, ending on the day of his death.

Condition is good for its age. The card wrappers show surface marks, creasing, rubbing and wear at the edges and corners. The ribbon fastening remains present. The typescript leaves show light age-toning and occasional handling marks. Please examine the photographs for the item's condition and contents.