TLS, one page, 5 x 8, Admiralty Whitehall letterhead, September 18, 1913. Letter written to Sir Charles Coke, with greeting written in Churchill’s hand, informing him of the retention of his command. In part, “I have now carefully considered the question of your tenure of the Queenstown Command, and I am satisfied that it will be in the public interest for you to retain it until the expiry of your original 5 years appointment.” Churchill also adds a closing sentiment in his own hand. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with a bisecting horizontal fold and some scattered mild light orange soiling to the text. From October 1911 to May 1915, Winston Churchill was made First Lord of the Admiralty. In this post, he did a great deal to ensure that the navy was in a state to fight a war. Winston Churchill put a strong emphasis on modernization and he was an early supporter of using planes in combat. However, Churchill was to pay the price for the bloody failure of the Dardanelles campaign in 1915 – it was Winston Churchill who proposed the expedition to the War Council and, as a result, he was held responsible for its failure. He was dismissed from his post at the Admiralty and he was made Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
