WWI Royal Irish Fusiliers Salonika Christmas Dinner 1916 - Fortnum & Mason Invoice
Original First World War Fortnum & Mason invoice dated 25 November 1916,recording the despatch of Christmas provisions to an officer of the 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers serving with the Salonika Forces in Macedonia.
Issued by theExport Department of Fortnum & Mason Ltd., 184 Piccadilly, London, the invoice was made out to:
Mess President
(Lt. L. R. Muirhead)
D Company
5th Royal Irish Fusiliers
Salonica Forces
LieutenantLitellus Russell Muirheadwas serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Salonika campaign. The document dates from immediately before Christmas 1916, when British and Allied troops were holding positions on the Macedonian Front following the active operations of the autumn.
The order gives a fascinating insight into officers' mess life on overseas service and consists of distinctly luxurious Christmas fare sent from Piccadilly to the Macedonian theatre.
The provisions include:
·2 hams
·galantine turkey
·galantine pheasant
·galantine chicken
·4 tins fruit salad
·3 tins plum puddings
·2 tins roast turkey
·Cheddar cheese
·Gorgonzola cheese
·2 tins devilled kidneys
·soup squares
·2 bottles lime juice cordial
The total account was£4 8s 11½d, including postage and packing.
The document provides a remarkable connection betweenFortnum & Mason, Christmas 1916 and British officers serving on the Salonika Front.
At this time the Royal Irish Fusiliers were serving with the10th (Irish) Division in Macedonia. The 5th and 6th Battalions had recently been amalgamated following the severe effects of campaigning and sickness, making the invoice an interesting record from a transitional period in the regiment's wartime service.
Condition
Original 1916 document with folds from storage, together with light creasing and handling wear. The typescript and printed details remain very clear and legible. Please refer to the scan for the precise condition.
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