Original Items: Only One Set Available. Commander C.L. Round-Turner DSC (Distinguished Service Cross) was the commanding Officer on H.M.S. DEFENDER, a 1,375 ton destroyer built by Vickers Armstrong of Barrow in 1932 that was sunk after being bombed by Italian aircraft in an action off Sidi Barrani in Egypt just 59 miles east of the Libyan border on July 11th 1941, part of the allies’ “War in the Desert” against Rommel.
Commander C.L. Round-Turners father was vice admiral Charles Wolfran Round-Turner who entered the Royal Navy in 1893 and achieved the rank of vice admiral in 1935.
This set is absolutely “top of the line”, made by GIEVES LTD., of 21 Old Bond Street, London; still in existence today but now located in London’s famous Saville Row. This tailor bears a “Royal Warrant” meaning they were tailors to King George VI as well as other members of the Royal family, before and since.
Of particular note is the original steel transit chest, marked “C.L.ROUND-TURNER R.N.” on the top, measuring 19″ x 9″ x 9″ with a concealed document compartment on the underside of the lid.
Included inside the chest are as follows-
Magnificent pair of high ranking royal naval officer’s gilt epaulettes
Gold wire embroidered officer’s naval sword and waist belt
Beaver pelt “fore and aft” cocked hat complete with all appropriate gold filigree etc.
All three items fully marked by GIEVES each stating-
By Special Appointment to his Majesty the King”.
The tin with storage marks, the contents all in immaculate almost like new condition belonging to a known officer who served on a known destroyer that was sunk in a known action in WW2.
A magnificent set, in same traditional British Navy style as used in the times of Admiral Nelson.