Typescript of 'Report My Signals', war memoir of Antony Brett-James, 5th Indian Division Royal Signals, exhibiting differences from the version published in 1948; with a copy of the book marked up for a projected second edition, and a signed copy.

'Report My Signals' (hereafter RMS) was well received on its publication in 1948, a second impression appearing in the same year. The book's dustwrapper blurb describes the contents as 'the war memoirs of a Signals officer who served for three years with the Fifth Indian Division. He was with this illustrious formation from August 1942 (near El Alamein) until the recapture of Rangoon. | The author writes frankly and sincerely of his experiences with Indian soldiers, for whom he expresses affection and admiration. [...] He writes too of his relationships with fellow officers and senior commanders, and describes visits by Slim and Mountbatten.' ONE: Typescript of RMS. On 463 numbered 4to pages, each on a separate leaf, in two folders. In good condition, with light creasing to some leaves. Folders and first page with stamps of 'Herter Ryder | c/o. Toby Eader Associates, Ltd., | 18, Park Walk, | London SW10 0AQ'. The typescript, in 33 chapters, exhibits substantial differences from the version published in 57 chapters. TWO: Copy of RMS (Hennel Locke and Harrap). 8vo, viii + 352 pp. Marked up by the author for a projected 1949 reprint (no such reprint appeared), with numerous minor emendations and corrections in the author's autograph, and a number of deletions, including the excision of some leaves. THREE: Autograph Letter Signed (4to, 2 pp) to Brett-James from '' ('Dalid. 27. 1. 61'). 25 lines. Begins 'My kind and dearest Sahibi | by the grace of God I am OK'. Giving details of his current circumstances. 'I am working in the factory. This Place is not a very good Place to work. because I do not get the good wages. But some thing is better than nothing. So I am still trying to get on the Buses'. FOUR: 47 lines of pencil manuscript (8vo, 2 pp), headed 'ROMAN URDU', beginning 'JAB MAIN HOSPITAL MEN GEYA TO UNNUHON NE MUJHE C.C.S. MEN BHEJANE KE LIE BOLA.' Docketed by Brett-James to indicate that it is the work of 'Abdul Rehman'('my best operator of the switchboard', RMS, p.118). FIVE: Autograph Letter Signed (8vo, 1 p) to Brett James from Derek van der Goot (South Memms; 16 November 1964), praising the book. 'You had an exciting time, and it was well worth putting on paper.' SIX: Copy of the first edition of RMS ('Hennel Locke Limited | London & Sydney') 8vo, viii + 352 pp. Good tight copy, on aged paper and with slight sunning at head and tail of spine, in remains of dust-wrapper. Half-title carries an affectionate signed inscription to the author's father on the latter's birthday.