Autograph signatures of WW2 Victoria Cross recipients Henry Foote / Pip Gardner

FOOTE, Henry Robert Bowreman (1904-1993) and GARDNER, Philip John (1914-2003). Autograph signatures of the Royal Tank Regiment's two Second World War Victoria Cross recipients. Dated 30 July 1945.

A single autograph album leaf, 170 x 110 mm, blank on the reverse. Light age toning and handling creases, a small ink mark towards the lower left and minor roughness to the right edge; very good. Signed in blue ink by Henry Foote, adding "Brig." and the date "30/7/45", and by P. J. Gardner. The annotations identifying their Victoria Cross awards, and Gardner's rank and regiment, are in another hand.

An appealing pairing of the Royal Tank Regiment's two Second World War VC recipients, both decorated for gallantry in North Africa. Foote received his award for outstanding leadership commanding 7th Royal Tank Regiment during the Battle of Gazala in May-June 1942, repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to direct and encourage his crews. Gardner earned his VC near Tobruk on 23 November 1941, rescuing a severely wounded officer under intense fire despite being wounded himself. Foote had become a temporary brigadier in June 1945, shortly before signing this leaf. A rare autograph sheet.