Charles De Gaulle's Bastille Day Speech up for Auction
Boston - Charles De Gaulle's handwritten Bastille Day speech will be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auciton.
The one-page manuscript in French by Charles de Gaulle, signed within the heading, "Gen. de Gaulle," one page, July 14, 1941. A speech headed (translated): "Communique of Gen. de Gaulle to the Troops, 14.7.1941." In full (translated): "To the soldiers, to the sailors, to the airmen, to the people of France. July 14 is for us the anniversary of faith and national hope. Faith because never, despite the tears of France, we have no longer firmly believed in her and in her destiny. Hope because we see on the horizon all the data of Victory. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Frenchmen, my dear companions, be firm, pure and faithful; because at the end of our troubles, there is the greatest glory in the world: that of men who have not yielded." In fine condition.
General de Gaulle gave this rousing message during a Bastille Day ceremony at Marchand Stadium in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo (then the capital of French Equatorial Africa), during which he awarded three soldiers with the Cross of Liberation.
During this period, de Gaulle was leading the Free France movement, a government-in-exile that continued to fight against the Axis powers after the fall of France. A superb wartime message from the exiled French leader.
“It’s a superb wartime message from the exiled French leader,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.
Highlights among the more than 80 World War II related lots include:
Charles de Gaulle letter "from warlord to warlord," de Gaulle writes to FDR: "General de Gaulle, he has only one goal, to defeat the enemy wherever he is.”
George S. Patton matte-finish photo in uniform, along with a typed letter. The superb pairing of two WWII-era items signed by Patton to General R. B. Lord, Chief of Staff of S.O.S 'Service of Supply' and Communications, Headquartered in Paris.
Original hand-painted wooden sign removed from the headquarters of the 600th Bomb Squadron (398th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force) in Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, England.
Remarkable grouping of World War II military apparel belonging to Staff Sergeant William C. King, a B-24 aerial gunner with the 576th Bomb Squadron in Wendling, England.
Iconic World War II-era Irvin Royal Air Force fleece-lined leather flight jacket, the standard issue flying jacket used by British air crews during wartime.
The Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction featuring World War II from RR Auction will conclude on Aug 8. More details can be found online at www.rrauction.com.
