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Date: |
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Description: | [signed] & Fine Art Trade Guild embossed stamp
text: (on tissue fly-leaf) THE KING AT THE FRONT
It was a rainy, uncertain day, with flashes of sunlight brightening the landscape at intervals. At the sides of a long, straight road were
standing British troops, shoulder to shoulder, company upon company, extending in one long perspective of khaki until the lines merged in
the far distance. The muddy road was full of watery ruts which glinted to the passing gleams of light as the rain clouds parted. At the
moment, however, it was not raining, and the men were carrying their overcoats rolled in bandolier fashion. The long lines stood waiting,
the company commanders a little in advance of the men. Then from the distance came a little group of officers. Distant cheering could be
heard, which as the group approached burst into spontaneous shouts of welcome as King George, followed by the Prince of Wales and the
staff, became clearly visible. The cheers were not of the formal parade-ground character; they came from men who could not await their
strict turn to cheer. The greeting must out. The King smiled back his answer to the right and then to the left and then passed....In a few
moments the scene had vanished; the long lines splashed their way back to work, glad at heart, for the King, the highest in the land, had
been among them.
A portfolio of twelve prints with printed tissue fly-leaves bearing titles and descriptions. This includes an
introduction to the work of Matania (with photograph) written by Clement K Shorter, Editor and Director, The Sphere, dated 30 September
1916. | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Subjects: | Military Personnel British Army Royalty | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Matania, Fortunino | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
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