POW & MID WWI Royal Munster Fusiliers Officer’s Map Board in Original Case - Researched

An original First World War officer’s map board by Aston & Mander, London, complete with its original case. Named to Captain C.R. Rawlinson, Royal Munster Fusiliers, whose wartime story is particularly compelling. Contemporary records show he was reported missing following the engagement of 26th August 1914, almost certainly relating to the Battle of Le Cateau, one of the defining actions of the British Retreat from Mons in the opening weeks of the war.

A postcard dated shortly afterwards confirms he was alive but in enemy hands, and he is subsequently recorded as a Prisoner of War from August 1914 through to January 1918, spending the vast majority of the war in captivity. He was later repatriated via Holland in July 1918 and went on to be Mentioned in Despatches for his service.

This places the piece firmly within the earliest and most dramatic phase of the war, directly tied to the BEF’s fighting withdrawal and one of its most famous actions.

The board itself is a quality officer’s private purchase piece, clearly marked Aston & Mander, Makers, London (Works Soho & Homerton), and retains its original leather strap with naming to C. R. Rawlinson, Royal Munster Fusiliers. A classic and increasingly scarce item of field equipment, especially in it's original case with is also faintly named.

A rare opportunity to acquire a named and researched officer’s piece with a direct link to Le Cateau and early WW1 captivity—a combination that is seldom encountered and highly desirable to collectors.

Condition is very good for its age, with little to no evidence of service use. The shoulder strap on the case has snapped and is cracked. Please see photographs for full detail.

Weight: 562 g.