LIFESAVER OF NOTE
SOLDIER’S BOOK STOPPED BULLET
ANOTEBOOK which saved a soldier’s life when a bullet struck it in his pocket is to be auctioned.
Lucky George Dowsell had the miracle escape while serving in the 2nd Devon Regiment during the Third Angle-Burmese war of 1891.
George, from Olveston, Southj Gloucestershire, was fighting in Burma when the stray bullet struck him in the chest.
But luckily his notebook absorbed the impact and he survived – and then wrote about his escape in the same book.
He wrote: “Speak not this book for fear of shame, for here you will see the owner’s name.
“No. 1787 Pte George Dowsell 2nd Devon Regiment. Done by a bullet when in my pocket at Kyain Kwile Loung on Sunday the 22nd of February, 1891.’’
The notebook was kept by Mr Dowsell and later passed down through the family.
It is now being sold – and is expected to fetch several hundred pounds.
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe from East Bristol Auctions said: ‘’This notebook is very special.
“Stories of lives being saved by items stuffed in pockets are surprisingly common throughout history – but very rarely are the actual items still preserved.
“The notebook is in a terrible state with a large bullet hole through the middle, and signs of burning from the heat of the bullet.
“Mr Dowsell was very lucky – the bullet stops just short of the cardboard cover on the rear.
“If the notebook had been a millimetre thinner, he may not have lived.’’
The notebook is set to fetch around £300 and features in East Bristol Auctions’ specialist sale on September 17 and can be viewed at www.eastbristol.co.uk.