Description:

THE VISITOR'S BOOK USED AT THE FUNERAL OF GEORGE S. PATTON
An evocative relic from Gen. George S. Patton's death in Heidelberg, Germany, the red leather-bound visitor's book who visited Villa Reiner, where Patton's body lay in state the day before he was laid to rest in Hamm, Luxembourg with his fellow soldiers of the Third Army. The book, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4", contains about 150pp.of white rag paper, of which the first eight pages are filled with signatures, the vast majority from Seventh Army headquarters officers and staffers (as Villa Reiner also served as headquarters for the Seventh Army). Of course, many of these Seventh Army signers served with Patton in his hugely successful invasion of Sicily two years earlier. Over two hundred mourners have boldly penned their names, and most in logical groupings, including commercial and military photographers, military police, anti-aircraft officers, artillery officers, engineers, etc. Also signing is FREDERICK AYER, Patton's brother-in-law who co-escorted Beatrice Patton at her husband's funeral, a few British and French representatives, and all six pallbearers, including Patton's person aide, African-American WILLIAM G. MEEKS, who perhaps was closer to the late general than anyone else during the war. Particularly representative of Patton is the fact that mourners from all walks of life viewed the late general, from major generals to the housekeeper at the Villa Reiner. The front cover of the book is badly chipped at top and left and cover is nearly detached at spine, back cover also loosening, yet contents remain very good to fine. The following day Patton's body was taken to Christ Church in Heidelberg for an Episcopal funeral service, after which it was interred in the American military cemetery at Hamm. Twenty thousand of Patton's veteran soldiers volunteered to serve as one of his pallbearers...From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (1888-1967), Patton's long-time friend who served as his deputy commander in North Africa, planned the invasion of Sicily and captured Palermo, led the II Corps and 7th Army, and planned Patton's funeral.

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February 18, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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