Despatch Collection (#3)

Opening of the tube line between Holborn and Euston
The pneumatic despatch tube: the Holborn end of the tube on the opening day of the line between Euston Square and Holborn. Date: 1865

Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett writing a despatch, Dardanelles, WW1
Ellis Ashmead-Barlett (1881-1931), British war correspondent, pictured at his typewriter resting on ammunition boxes after the landing at Anafarta, writing a despatch

Winter dispatch carrying on the Western Front 1917
Corporal Newsham, a British Press despatch rider, studying a map on his motorcycle at Rollancourt in northern France during the First World War

Despatch riders bike on fire, Western Front, WW1
A motor despatch riders bike catches fire on the Western Front in France during World War One, watched by a group of soldiers. Date: circa 1916

Big fighting ships auxiliaries by G. H. Davis
Navy notes of the week. A big fighting ships auxiliaries: some little-known members of the British fleet. 1912

Motor cyclist on the Western Front, WW1
A motor cyclist putting his enthusiasm to good use on the Western Front during the First World War. Date: 1914

Loading spare motor parts, Western Front, WW1
British soldiers loading spare motor transport parts on the Western Front in France during World War One. Date: circa 1916

Motor transport work, Western Front, France, WW1
British troops engaged in motor transport work near the Western Front in France during World War One. They are packing parts at a depot ready for despatch. Date: circa 1916

Wartime news satire, WW1
A page which at first glance appears to be full of wartime news, but which on more detailed examination turns out to be a satire on press censorship during the First World War

Women dispatch riders in training, WW2
Women dispatch riders in training during the Second World War. Date: 1940s

Allied Armour heading into Holland; Second World War, 1944
Illustration showing Allied units heading up the Eindhoven to Nijmegen road in Holland during September 1944. In the foreground of this image one can see a tank destroyer, a despatch rider

Washington Despatch
WASHINGTON reads a despatch Date: 1770s

Her Majestys Despatch Gun-Boats, 1854

Source Size = 3861 x 1248
The Pneumatic Letter and Parcel Conveyance: the Despatch Tube at Battersea

Source Size = 3969 x 2337
The Ashantee War: Arrival of Despatch Boat at Lisbon with News of the Ashantee War, Portugal, 1874

The Battle of Wagram, 6th July 1809, 1836 (oil on canvas)
XIR45542 The Battle of Wagram, 6th July 1809, 1836 (oil on canvas) by Vernet, Emile Jean Horace (1789-1863); Chateau de Versailles, France; French, out of copyright

Despatch Box, by Messrs. Waller

Chinese Military Despatch

Franco-Prussian War: A despatch brought by a carrier pigeon from the province is deciphered at the telegraph office by an electrically illuminated enlarger

A French Moto cyclist despatch rider hands over a despatch
A French Moto cyclist despatch rider hands a despatch to a French airman in a Henry Farman F20 somewhere in France

The fuselage of Lt Spenser Greys two-seat Mercury III outside the Balm Road, Leeds, works ready for despatch to Brooklands in December 1911. Date: 1911

Despatch Box, By Messrs. Waller

Franco-Prussian War: A despatch brought by a carrier pigeon from the province is deciphered at the telegraph office by an electrically illuminated enlarger

Chinese Military Despatch

Two women dispatch riders, Towler and Trayner. They went on a world tour on their motorbikes, getting as far as Australia, where they both married and settled down

AFS despatch riders at lecture, London, WW2
AFS despatch riders, male and female, at a lecture, London, Second World War

AFS regional training exercise, Wymondham College
AFS regional training exercise in Norfolk, 10-11 September 1955. Showing the Column Commander briefing the Company Commander

London Fire Brigade despatch rider at night
A London Fire Brigade despatch rider at night, illuminated by flashlight

Palmerston / Commons / 1864
Whig Prime Minister Lord Palmerston makes a statement to the House about the conference on the Schleswig- Holstein question. Date: 27 June 1864

NFS (London Region) dispatch riders display team, WW2
NFS dispatch riders demonstrate their motorcycle riding skills with a acrobatic display at Regional headquarters, Lambeth SE1

NFS firewomen in dispatch rider training, WW2
London Region NFS firewomen undergoing dispatch rider training. Taught to do everything with a motorbike that could be done, these women would undertake all-terrain training

NFS-Firewomen dispatch rider training
Women dispatch riders in training during the Second World War

LFB motorcycle dispatch riders in training, WW2
LFB dispatch riders in training under a Brigade instructor at the New Cross speedway track in SE London

AMERICAN NAVAL SHIP, 1891. The despatch vessel Dolphin. Wood engraving from an English newspaper of 1891

The dangers that The Royal Army Services Corps faced 1915
This scene depicts the difficulties and dangers of shell fire, for The Royal Army Services Corps (RASC), when trying to get supplies of food, water and clothing to the front. 1915

21st Lancers - Standing to attention
Attention. 21st Lancers - Full Review Order - Full Dress. Date: circa 1916

17th Lancers - Mounting
Despatch Orderly mounting outside the troop stable - 17th Lancers. A clean and smart turnout is required! Date: circa 1916

Corporal Newsham, despatch rider, Rollancourt, France, WW1
Corporal Newsham, a British Press despatch rider, studying a map on his motorcycle at Rollancourt in northern France during the First World War. Date: 1917

Aj Balfour / Graphic 1907
ARTHUR JAMES BALFOUR 1st Earl of Balfour, British politician and Conservative MP, giving an energetic speech in Parliament Date: 1848 - 1930

German Napoleonic
Uhlan (left), Cavalry (centre) and Hussar (right) Date: 1813 - 1822

Russells Reform Bill
Foreign Secretary Lord John Russell proposes his Reform Bill. The Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, did not support it and it failed to become law. Date: 1860

Print room at Lloyds Weekly Newspaper, London
Printing presses operated by workmen churn out copies of Lloyds Weekly Newspaper, one of the first mass market newspapers, with copies then bundled for despatch on a trolley

Dispatch routes from Malta of HMS Despatch
Dispatch routes for the winter and spring cruise (from port in Malta) of HMS Despatch, which travelled as far afield as Cyprus (22nd March) and Port Said (6th April). Date: circa 1935

Despatch rider 1917
A motorcycle despatch rider in the snow at St. Pol in France on the British front during World War I in December 1917

The electric wire at Cape Grinez
The first submarine electric telegraphic despatch from Dover to Cape Grinez, near Calais. The image shows a view of Cape Grinez, taking the wire up the cliff

The Goliah steamer paying out the electric wire
The first submarine electric telegraphic despatch from Dover to Cape Grinez, near Calais. Here, the cable is laid out as the Goliah steam ship sails from England to France

Temporary station at Dover: the steamers prepare to start
The first submarine electric telegraphic despatch from Dover to Cape Grinez, near Calais. After arriving in France however

Lord Palmerston addressing the House of Commons, 1864
Engraving showing Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865), delivering the ministerial statement on Dano-German relations to the House of Commons, June 1864

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Despatch: A Journey Through Time and Service" Queen Victoria and Munshi Abdul Karim, 1900: Witness the unique bond between Queen Victoria and her trusted confidant, Munshi Abdul Karim, as they exchange despatches that shaped history. The British Second Army in Valkenswaard, Holland; Second World War: Explore the crucial role riders in relaying vital information during wartime operations, ensuring effective communication on the frontlines. British Army messenger pigeon service: Discover the incredible feats of these feathered heroes who fearlessly carried life-saving messages across enemy lines during times of conflict. AFS despatch rider and messenger, WW2: Step into the shoes of a fearless Allied Forces Services (AFS) despatch rider who braved danger to deliver urgent messages amidst chaos and uncertainty. Women dispatch riders in training, WW2: Uncover the inspiring stories of courageous women who defied societal norms by becoming skilled dispatch riders during World War II, breaking barriers with every ride. Christmas parcels for the trenches 1916: Delve into heartwarming tales of hope as dedicated individuals send festive care packages to soldiers at warfronts, bringing joy amidst darkness during Christmas time. Despatch riders with Douglas motorcycles, WW1: Ride alongside brave despatch riders mounted on powerful Douglas motorcycles as they navigate treacherous terrains to ensure swift communication between units during World War I. Firefighters outside mobile kitchen, WW2: Witness firefighters' unwavering dedication as they gather outside a mobile kitchen to receive vital instructions through rapid-fire despatches while battling flames amid wartime chaos. The Special Private Despatch by Margaret Bradley: Experience an emotional journey through Margaret Bradley's poignant book "The Special Private Despatch, " capturing personal accounts from those affected by war's aftermath – a testament to resilience and healing. Armada/Warning Beacons.