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Le Rossignol Correspondence

 Collection
Identifier: MSE/MD 3821

Scope and Contents

The Le Rossignol correspondence consists of 45 letters written from Arthur Stanley Le Rossignol to his sister, Constance Ethel, from his position on the Western Front during World War I. There are additional letters written by Arthur (5), Ethel's colleague Pierre Pulinekse (4), Ethel herself to her Aunt Anna Le Rossignol (4), and others. The bulk of correspondence took place in 1918. The letters cover topics of cultural interest, such as British-German animosity and perceptions of the war. Most of Arthur's letters are vague and do not reveal his location or the details of military operations. His correspondence covers the period 1914-1919. All together, there are 52 letters, 42 envelopes, 14 post cards, a photograph album, a telegram, a copy of strategic battle plans, a pamphlet, and other miscellaneous items.

Dates

  • Creation: 1914-1919

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright status for collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Biographical / Historical

Constance "Ethel" Le Rossignol (1873-1970), was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Alfred and Jemima Le Rossignol. Her family was originally from Jersey, England and returned to England before 1891. During the war, Ethel worked as a nurse, primarily in Dieppe in northern France, tending to French soldiers, and her brother, "Arthur" Stanley (1875-?), joined the 7th Battery Motor Machine Guns and moved up the ranks to Staff Captain. Her other brother, Alfred "Ernest" (1869-1951), was awarded Order of the Bath (CB) and reached the rank of colonel during his service in the Corps of London Electrical Engineers. After the war, Ethel became known for her paintings, which she claimed were guided by a spirit she channeled. Arthur's fate is unknown, but his letters suggest he may have become a business partner at an Argentine farm on the Río Colorado.

Extent

.5 Cubic Feet

Abstract

A collection of personal letters written by Arthur Le Rossignol to his sister, Ethel, while he served in the British Motor Machine Gun Corps on the Western Front during World War I. Also included are letters written by Ethel, her colleague Pierre Pulinekse, and others.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in one series, with dated correspondence placed first in chronological order. Typically, there is one item per folder.

Title
Le Rossignol Correspondence
Status
Completed
Author
Hannah Sabal
Date
4/27/2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the University of Notre Dame Rare Books & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
102 Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame IN 46556
574-631-0290