Correspondence with Evelyn A. Montague

  • Reference
    • GB 133 GDN/A/M85
  • Dates of Creation
    • 21 Nov 1921-31 Oct 1946
  • Physical Description
    • 54 pieces; 64 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Evelyn Aubrey Montague (1900-1948), journalist and athlete, [grandson of Scott], relating to discussion of Montague's time at Magdalen [college], Oxford, and multiple offers of employment made by the Manchester Guardian, which are declined. There is also discussion of Montague's work for Nitrate Agencies Ltd in Chile, and letter to Scott from [Madeline] Montague, magistrate [daughter of Scott], expressing disappointment that Montague has chosen not to work for the paper.

There is correspondence between Montague and E.T. Scott, relating to Montague's employment to write theatre reviews for the Manchester Guardian, and of his employment on the business staff of the Manchester Guardian Weekly. There are internal memoranda on Montague's training, and potential editorial work.

There is also correspondence between Montague and W.P. Crozier, relating to Montague's transfer to work in the London office of the Manchester Guardian on a trial basis, with internal correspondence discussing the work to be carried out at the position Montague is to have. There is discussion of a replacement for James Bone, on his retirement, and potential candidates for the position. Also included are internal memoranda discussing the subject.

There is correspondence relating to a biographical notice for Montague for the paper, prior to his work as a war correspondent [during the Second World War] for the Manchester Guardian, with discussion of the form and arrangements for articles, and a request for diagrams and sketches. There is a memorandum by Montague on the proposed scheme for the allocation and syndication of war correspondents for an invasion of Britain, with reference to the negotiations taking place, and the Manchester Guardian's classification as a national, rather than provincial paper. There is also a request from Crozier for clarification of the scheme, and of relinquishing claims to reporting as a provincial paper. There is a change of address notification, and reference to press certificates.

There is a request by Crozier for request for assistance in assigning amounts of Christmas bonuses for staff in the London office who have worked through the [London Blitz]. There is also discussion of arrangements for Montague to work in the Manchester office of the paper for a period of time, with reference to working around the time that Montague is due to accompany a sortie. There is correspondence relating to Montague's work as a BBC broadcaster, providing news commentaries to the Empire, and the decision that reference to his place of employment in the broadcasts should not be made, owing to the conflict this may produce between the opinions expressed by Montague and the Manchester Guardian. There is correspondence relating to messages sent from Montague whilst reporting on the war and its campaigns from Europe, and of Montague's desire to take a break from the work, accompanied by internal memoranda discussing the subject, and the quality of Montague's messages and delays in their receipt. There is correspondence relating to Montague's illness with and recovery from Phlebitis, and relating to a further illness and required period of absence from work.

GDN/A/M85/25-26 are duplicate copies of an article on Montague entitled 'Appointment of War Correspondents' in the Manchester Guardian, 1939.

GDN/A/M85/53 is an article on Montague's appointment as a director of the Manchester Guardian in the Manchester Guardian, 1945.