Letter from Major-General Sir George Spafford Richardson to C.E. [Charles Ernest] Archibald, 22 December 1915

Typescript of letter to 'Archibald' [Charles Ernest Archibald] from 'G. S. Richardson' [George Spafford Richardson] dated Christmas Day, 25 December 1915, regarding his temporary promotion to General, and leaving Cape Helles [Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey] to join the force against Bulgaria. (2 leaves)

The text reads as follows:

"My Dear Archibald,

I write to give you my new address & let you see I am thinking of you on Xmas Day - I have left Cape Helles & left the Naval Division - & am now operating with The Force against Bulgaria - I am feeling very fit again - but sleeping in a dug out under shell fire for 8 months did not improve my condition - however I am now well - I did not leave the Peninsula with the Force that evacuated it, but left it because I was ordered to, and here I am running a very big show.

There are hundreds more qualified than I am to do the job, but N.Z I hope will be glad that one of their officers has been selected for the job - when I get back I will tell you how it feels to be a General - my rank is of

[Page 2]

course temporary & I don’t suppose N.Z will allow me to keep it, but I don’t worry about that, I shall be happy as a Major, & will enjoy the fact of my once having risen from Private Soldier to General - I can’t tell you much about things here at present - only 1 Division has been in action -

I will tell you more later - we are alright anyhow so don’t expect unfavourable news -

Thanks very much for the N.Z papers - The N.Z Stationary Hospital is here under Lt Col McGavine -

My Kindest Regards to your wife & best wishes

Yrs [Yours] Very Sincerely,

[Signed] G.S. Richardson."