Lot 39
CAPTURED WW11 GERMAN 10 x 80 FLAK BINOCULARS & MOUNTS.
In their wooden box with a green finish, German Flak Binoculars used by a British General during the Italian campaign. On a swivel mount base with associated swivel mounts, with scales and rain covers, etc. Marked dial with Klar-Dunkel-Mittel and Hell. DF, 10 x 80, CXNo, 53058 and 14770 on the side. With adjustable eye lenses and cushioned view-pad present. The overall finish is in green, the lenses will need cleaning and renovation.
Carried by the then young General Charles Keightley throughout the Italian Campaign and occupation of Austria in 1945. Various copied press photographs and cuttings are with the Binoculars, showing him using them at the Capture of Faenza after a three day battle.
General Sir Charles Frederic Keightley GCB.GBE.DSO.DL (Dorset). Born 24/6/1901 he died in Salisbury in 1974. The youngest Corps Commander in the British Army later Governor General of Gibraltar 1958-62.
Educated at Marlboro College, commissioned 2/Lt in 1921 into the 5th Dragoon Guards.
Acting Brigadier, Commander of the 30th Armoured Brigade in Egypt, acting (OBE) 1941
Acting Major General, Commander 6th Armoured Division from May 1942, in the Tunisian and French North Africa Campaigns. (CB and USA Legion of Merit)
Colonel (Regular rank in April 1944).
Commander of 78th Infantry Division in 1944 (DSO)
Commander of Vth Corps Temporary Lt General aged 43, the youngest officer to command a Corps in the British Army. KBE
Took part in Operation Olive in Autumn 1944 (Gothic Line) Also the forcing of the Argenta Gap. Latterly in Austria in 1945.
Also awarded the French Legion de Honneur.
See Illustration
