Turpin, Aubrey Lawrence

2nd Lieutenant Aubrey Lawrence Turpin

Turpin was born at Ludlow Street, Navan on 30th September 1891 to Thomas Digby Turpin, Bank Accountant and Jane Turpin nee Somerville. They had married on 14th October 1890 at Mallow Church of Ireland. Thomas is recorded as being a Bank Clerk.

In 1901 Turpin (9) is living in house 1, Lawn View Place, Ballymena with his parents, grandmother Charlotte Turpin and his brother, Dermot Owen (6). A servant, Mary Smith is also present. His father's occupation is now described as a Bank Cashier.

Turpin would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1909.

By 1911 Turpin is living in the Bank House at house 39, High Street, Portadown with his parents, his brother and the same servant. Thomas’ occupation is now Bank Manager and Aubrey’s occupation is described as a Bank Assistant. 

Belfast Bank House & branch, Portadown

In 1915 Turpin was reported to have been working in Dungannon branch for the past 5 years.

Belfast Bank, Dungannon branch

Turpin volunteered and enlisted into the 19th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and in due course, attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 24th December 1916.

A L Turpin - Medal Index Card

The Belfast News Letter of 14th December 1915 reports:

Turpin's brother, Dermot also volunteered and enlisted into the army. The Mid-Ulster Mail of 22nd July 1916 reports the 'wounding, not serious' of Dermot who is now in hospital.

Turpin was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal.

A L Turpin - Medal Roll

Following his demobilisation, Turpin re-joined the bank and was working in Castleblayney (see Medal Index Card). The Belfast Banking Company Limited sold its southern branches to the Royal Bank of Ireland in 1923. It is possible that the young man in this 1918 photo is Aubrey.

Belfast Bank, Castleblayney branch

This Freemason record from 1923 exists on Ancestry:

Turpin married Miss Janetta (Netta) Victoria Bell on 30th January 1922. They later had a daughter, Doreen Elizabeth (10th December 1922) and a son, Aubrey Lawrence Digby (24th July 1925).

Turpin died on 7th April 1963 and is buried in St. Patrick's, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Netta died on 28th January 1977.