War-dated TLS, signed “Winston S. Churchill,” one page, 8 x 10, Ministry of the Munitions of War letterhead, dated May, 1918. Letter to William Alfred Turpin, Esq. In full, “I have had much pleasure in recommending to the Prime Minister that you should be appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and I am glad to learn that the King has approved the recommendation. Pray accept my hearty congratulations on this recognition of the valuable services rendered by you to the State.”
A partly printed document, signed “Edward P,” as Grand Master, one page, both sides, dated June 3, 1918, presented to Turpin. In part: “Greeting whereas We have thought fit to nominate and appoint you to be an Officer of Our said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, We do by these presents grant unto you the Dignity of an Officer of Our said Order and hereby authorize you to have hold and enjoy the said Dignity and Rank of an Officer of Our aforesaid Order together with all and singular the privileges thereunto belonging or appertaining.”
A testimonial album, 34 pages,12.5 x 18.75, front and verso, presented to W. A. Turpin “on the occasion of his receiving recognition from His Majesty King George V of valuable services rendered to the State. The Subscribers offer most cordial congratulations and hearty good wishes. 3rd June, 1918.” The gilt-edged, ornately bordered heavy card-weight pages are signed by over 2,000 men and women employed in the various divisions of W. & G. Du Cros beginning with five members of the du Cros family, the directors of the company. Exquisitely bound in black morocco boards with Turpin’s monogram on the cover.
Also included is his obituary in the Belfast Telegraph; an ALS and TLS signed “Arthur Davidson” as Equerry to H. M. Queen Alexandra (mother of King George V) each dated 1918; an article about Queen Alexandra’s 1918 visit to the W. & G. Du Cros munitions factory; a handwritten 4.25 x 7.5 menu dated December 17, 1918 signed in pencil on verso “W. A. Turpin,” “Molly Turpin,” “Harvey du Cros Jun.,” “Billy du Cros,” and “Betty du Cros”; two 11.5 x 8.5 photographs of W&G du Cros motor vehicles; three photographs of trophies presented to Turpin by five members of the du Cros family and by the employees and staff of W. & G. du Cros Ltd. In very good overall condition. RR Auction COA.
