World War One Field Message Book named to Somme Casualty

[Warspite]

I bought this rather nice Field Message book this morning for £4. I was leafing through the many diagrams and notes inside and kept coming across the name of a Lt AFC Paxton of the Middlesex Regiment. A quick google search brought up a wealth of information on him from his old school's website (Archie Paxton and The Somme). Sadly he died on 1st July 1916 at the Somme, the last dated diagram in the book is 18th May 1916.

I must confess that although part of me is hugely excited to have found this piece for my collection and its fascinating history, there is a great feeling of sadness when I read his story and how young he was when he was killed. Its objects like this that remind me why we collect...

Thanks

Ed

[Alter Musketier]

... I must confess that although part of me is hugely excited to have found this piece for my collection and its fascinating history, there is a great feeling of sadness when I read his story and how young he was when he was killed. Its objects like this that remind me why we collect... Ed

That's so true. Great document and comtemporay witness.

With best wishes
alter musketier

[harryamb2]

terrific buy/find.