[CAMPBELL DONALD]: (1921-1967) British Car & Motorboat Racer, World Land and Water Speed Record Holder in the 1950s ...

[CAMPBELL DONALD]: (1921-1967) British Car & Motorboat Racer, World Land and Water Speed Record Holder in the 1950s and 1960s. An original Post Office telegram (received copy) sent on behalf of Donald Campbell by his private secretary, Mrs. Betty Bickel, one page, oblong 8vo, Mount Street, London, 25th April 1952, to Squadron Leader D. A. Young-James, the text stating 'Mr. Campbell seriously ill. Please ring Dawes Green 230 this evening. Bickel, Private Secretary'. Accompanied by a T.L.S., Betty Bickel, one page, 4to, Horley, Surrey, 24th April 1952, to Squadron Leader D. A. Young-James at RAF Birdham Newton, writing on behalf of Campbell to convey 'his deep regret that he will not be able to attend the Annual Re-Union Dinner of the Aspian Society' and explaining 'Unfortunately, he is suffering from an attack of chicken-pox and, as you will appreciate, it will be quite impossible for him to keep his promise'. Also including a second T.L.S., Betty Bickel, one page, 4to, Horley, Surrey, 25th April 1952, also to Squadron Leader D. A, Young-James at the Royal Air Force Club, confirming that she had despatched a telegram that morning stating 'Mr. Campbell seriously ill. Please ring Dawes Green 230 this evening. Bickel Private Secretary' and continuing to add that she had also sent him a letter yesterday (i.e. the letter of 24th April contained in the present lot), again explaining that Campbell is 'suffering from a very severe attack of chicken-pox' and apologising for the inconvenience caused so close to the event. Some light age wear and a few minor creases, tears and file holes. Generally about VG, 3