Lot 579
Jobotinsky, Vladimir (Ze'ev). Rare autograph letter signed ("V. Jabotinsky"), on a 3¼ x 5 in. card, both sides, in French, n.p., 24 Dec. 1929. Not fully translated. To "My dear friend," in part: "If you can do something for Mr. Boudnik…I would be truly obligated to you. He is a veteran of the Zion Mule Corps and of the 38th Royal Fusiliers, Jewish soldier from 1915 to 1920 – deserving of a little gratitude. A simple man…unhappy. When I was in Jerusalem, I helped him as much as possible, before I left. Do what you can, I thank you in advance. Good luck in all things." Very fine condition.
In 1915, the Zion Mule Corps of the British Army was formed in Egypt. Almost all the soldiers were Jews who had been expelled from Palestine by the Turks because of their British citizenship. Joining the British Expeditionary Force on Gallipoli in the Dardinelles in May 1915, the Zion Mule Corps saw action until the British were forced to evacuate in January 1916, after which it was disbanded. In September 1917, the British War Office formed the 38th Royal Fusiliers, an infantry regiment made up of nearly 100 veterans of the Zion Mule Corps plus Jewish immigrants from Russia. The 38th was sent to Egypt in February 1918 and took part in the victorious September 1918 British offensive against the Turks in Palestine under General Edmund Allenby. Jabotinsky was a Deputy Commander of the 38th Royal Fusiliers, with the honorary rank of lieutenant.
Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800.
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