Carbon copy of manuscript.

Author: 
Stunts by Fag End': contemporaneous account of first world war experiences by unidentified writer.
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£100.00
SKU: 2773

3 pages, 8vo. On three leaves of paper, all creased, discoloured and worn, with a few tears and pin holes. Lively, humorous, and well-written account of the army career of a skiver. 'Behold me then the next time in the trenches a Lewis Gunner, my-self to be about to kill Bosches in neat little trenches of 47. As a matter of fact I did not kill one as I never fired the gun but we had one or two thrilling times. [...] January 1st. 1917 I became a member of the now famous Tank Corps. I said 'Goodbye' to Pack & rifle and received instead a kit bag & revolver (it was one of my ambitions to possess a revolver) But I was not happy for it was cold very very cold & I hate the cold. I was very thankful, though, to be out of the trenches where men were being frozen to death.' He then becomes a draughtsman for the Reconnaisance Office ('having an uncle and [sic] architect'), before taking up 'yet another role for my Company R.O. had left his servant behind & so I stepped into his shoes & thus fulfilled the double duties of draughtsman and batman. This went on until just recently when my officer was wounded & went home to Blighty. I have now helped in a minor capacity the preparation for several big 'do's' & travelled hundreds of miles upon the trusty Triumph including one never to be forgotten joy ride to our Rest Camp by the sea where I spent eight days upon which was undoubtedly the best stunt of all, viz. doing just what I liked.'