Letter from E.A. Crome to Mitchell Library, 17 June 1963, giving information about Horatio Spencer Heaps and enclosing inscribed copy of poem, 'To Our Critic [C.E.W. Bean], from an Australian Soldier in Egypt', a poem by Gunner F. E. Westbrook - Page 3

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[page 3]

PHONE: LB 6522

  

237 192 Attunga Road,

Miranda

17th June, 1963,

  

The Librarian

Mitchell Library,

SYDNEY.

Dear Sir,

        This rare pamphlet given to me by Ray Heaps who died on the 8th May, 1963, I now present to the Mitchell Library in memory of Ray.

        War Historian C. E. W. Bean, in the early days of the war, had criticised the drinking habits and character of the Australian Soldier in the press of that time, (World War 1) and this reply from an Australian Soldier in Egypt was produced in satirical vein against such criticism. It is inscribed on the back by Ray Heaps and is dated 20th March, 1915.

        Ray - Born on the 7th August, 1895, was christened Horatio Spencer Heaps, and was the son of A. W. Heaps the well known violin maker of Sydney. Enlisting in the 1st   A. I. F. on the 4th August, 1914, he saw service on Gallipoli and in France, where he was wounded and badly gassed, ultimately being discharged medically unfit. He was an invalid for a number of years.

        His number was 516, and he was awarded the Military Medal, London Gazette, 3rd Supplement,  dated 14/12/1917 and Commonweath Gazette 66 dated  2/5/1918.

  

Yours sincerely,

[signature]

E. A. Crome.

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