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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 662

The remarkable 'Attack on Prospect Hill 1918' group of five awarded to 2nd Lieutenant B. Turrell, 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers later Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force, who, somewhat unusually, joined the Royal Air Force as an Other Rank between the wars and was commissioned in 1941

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse contemporarily engraved 'A/C Capt. Turrell. B. Royal Inniskillin Fus.'; 1914 Star, with clasp (7924 L.Cpl. B. Turrell. 1/North'n R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. B. Turrell); Coronation 1937; Royal Air Force L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (W/O. B. A. Turrell. R.A.F.), sold together with a silver Wakefield shooting medal named 'Sgt. B. A. Turrell. R.A.F. 1935', in its fitted Royal Mint case of issue, the Great War and Coronation awards mounted as worn, the bar missing its retaining pin, the first removed from the mounting bar and returned to its case of issue, heavy polishing and contact marks, nearly very fine overall (6)

M.C. London Gazette 15 February 1919, the original citation published on 30 July 1919 states:

'On October 3rd, 1918, when attacking Prospect Hill, near Le Catelet, he led his platoon with most conspicuous dash and gallantry, particularly in the capture of a strong point which was holding up two platoons. This point he captured at the head of his men, killing or capturing the defenders, and clearing
the way for a further advance. Throughout the day he set a splendid example to his platoon.'

Basil Adam Turrell was born at Kessingland, Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1888 and enlisted with the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1906 from the Royal Garrison Artillery with the number 7924. Entering the war with them on 13 August 1914, he suffered a gunshot wound to the hand on 8 July 1916.

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant 'for services in the field' on 31 December 1917 he was awarded the M.C. whilst in the same rank. Remarkably Turrell went on to join the Royal Air Force, serving in that role during the Second World War as a Flight Sergeant. He was again commissioned, this time Pilot Officer on 18 August 1941. Turrell served in an administrative roll with the equipment branch during the war.

He died at Colchester on 13 August 1968 and was survived by his children William and Cecil.

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Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£480