Tim, it seems we have a common interest in Great War Holt tractors, I have always been fascinated them.
One of my long term customers is a rather eccentric lady who's country cottage I have worked on over many years.
Whilst clearing out a room in order to build a new dormer window I had to move her bookshelves, amongst the books was a hard back book with hand cut regimental insignia on the spine and cover called 'War Book' as I moved it I had a peek inside and could not believe what I saw, it appears her father was attached to a unit that used Holt tractors and big guns, this was his diary, there were loads of pictures of them on manoeuvres, lined up in walled gardens, being inspected etc.
Some of the most interesting photos where of him and his mates mucking about, it seems they had a fancy to dress in female clothing taken from deserted houses, they may have been a concert party, maybe...
The picture that most of us would reckon to be priceless was of a young soldier posing with his catapult, the caption said E.T.Lawrence, but unless any one knows better it was T.E. for sure!
There where a lot of pages cut out by the censor, which was even more interesting in it's way but not very informative.
Tucked into the back of the book was a cotton reinforced paper, maybe cut off a map, on which he had painted in watercolour, the 360 degree view from one of their gun positions depicting all the main targets along with compass bearings, ranges etc. this folded out to about 18" X 6" from memory, may have been smaller but I only had a short time as I felt guilty for looking but couldn't help myself! I had no time to memorise any details at all, just a quick flick through.
As tactfully as I could I pretended to notice it later and said that it would be interesting to historians but she would have none of it and changed the subject very quickly, I wondered if the cross dressing had something to do with her attitude.
This lady is elderly now and I have no doubt this book will end up on the tip, if it hasn't already, if only digital cameras had been about back then, I would have found a way!