GENERAL RICHARD NUGENT O'CONNOR
The British Army general who commanded desert troops during World War II signs this letter explaining he has no photographs of himself but has sent a signature
Autograph letter signed: "Gnl O'Connor" in blue felt. 5¼x7. May 18, no year. Written on letterhead of Kincurdie House, Rosemarkie, Ross-Shire to "Dear Mr. Stanhope", in full: "Thank you for your letter. I am afraid I have not got a photograph of my-self, so am just sending a signature. Yours sincerely". General Sir Richard Nugent O'Connor (1889-1981) was a British Army general. He commanded the Western Desert Force in the early years of World War II. He was the field commander for Operation Compass, in which his forces completely destroyed a much larger Italian army. O'Connor was captured by a German reconnaissance patrol on April 7, 1941 and spent over two years in an Italian prisoner of war camp. He escaped in December 1943, and upon his return to Britain, O'Connor was presented with the knighthood he had been awarded in 1941. In 1945 he was General Officer in Command of the Eastern Command in India and then, in the closing days of British rule in the subcontinent, he headed Northern Command. His final job in the army was Adjutant-General to the Forces in London, in charge of the British Army's administration, personnel and organization. In honor of his war service, O'Connor was recognized with the highest level of knighthood in two different orders of chivalry. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (twice), the Military Cross, the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor, and served as Aide-de-camp to King George VI. In July 1971 he was made Knight of the Thistle. Corners slightly rounded. Horizontal crease across center. Otherwise, fine condition.