Handsome 9.5 x 11.75 guestbook from Civil Resettlement Unit No. 1, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, handsomely bound in full green morocco with "Visitors" gilt-stamped on the front, signed inside in ink by by King George VI ("George R. I.") and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother ("Elizabeth R") during their famous visit on July 12, 1945, and by Mary of Teck ("Mary R") on July 31, 1945. Additionally signed by a number of British military notables, including Godfrey H. Luce, Oliver Luce, C. W. Norman, E. G. Warren, E. K. Stuart, J. Stanley Smith, P. Sutton Vane, Alex Hood, H. A. Sandiford, Arthur Percival, R. H. A. Kellie, H. R. Hamley, George Brown, Ronald Forbes Adam, and others. Affixed within the book are more than thirty photos of the grounds and royal visits. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA for the George, Elizabeth, and Mary autographs.
During World War II, Hatfield House was the location of the first Civil Resettlement Unit (CRU) and acted as headquarters for the scheme, which was developed by Royal Army Medical Corps psychiatrists to help returning POWs adjust to civilian life. While living at the CRU, the men could attend therapy, group discussions, workshops, career training, and meals. CRUs represent one of the first controlled experiments in social psychology, contributing to the development of the concept and methods of therapeutic communities.
