MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. Small group of three A.Ls.S., Montgomery of Alamein, one with his rank as Field Marshal added beneath, five pages (total), 8vo and small 4to, Westminster Gardens and Whitehall, London, 6^th January - 19^th March 1948, all to Paul Loosli, the president of the Gstaad Ski Club and director of tourism in Gstaad, two on the printed stationery of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff at the War Office. Montgomery writes concerning his travel plans and other matters, in part, 'It is with very great regret that I must tell you that I will not be able to visit Gstaad this year. As you know we have in England certain restrictions on foreign travel and currency and that will prevent me journeying to Switzerland. I am very sorry, especially as I will not now be able to present my cup for Ski Jumping on 22 February. I would be grateful if you will make it generally known that, because of the restrictions in force in England, I will not be able to pay my usual visit…..I suggest you should get an announcement put in the Press and also put out on the Swiss Radio' (6^th January 1948), 'I fear I am terribly busy just at present and will not be able to see you for more than a very few minutes. If you come to the War Office at 9.30 A.M. on Friday next, 19 March, I could have a few words with you' (16^th March 1948), 'I have a young friend in Switzerland and he often writes to me. His name is Lucien TRUEB and he stayed with me in Gstaad in February last year. I expect you remember him. When you get back to Switzerland will you telephone to him and tell him that you saw me in London, and give him my best regards' (19^th March 1948). Each of the letters are accompanied by the original envelopes hand addressed by Montgomery. A few minor paperclip rust stains, otherwise VG, 3

 

Lucien Trueb (1934-   ) Swiss science writer who, as a twelve year old boy in 1946, met Montgomery in Switzerland and went on to maintain a close relationship with the Field Marshal