Letter of condolence from Buckingham Palace and signed by King George V, 1 Feb 1917.
The letter relates to the death of L/Cpl William Richard Cotter, 6th Bn, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) and states that it is a matter of sincere regret that L/Cpl Cotter should have died before the Victoria Cross could be personally conferred on him. 
L/Cpl Cotter died 14 Mar 1916, aged 33, and is commemorated at Lilliers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
From the collection of the former Buffs Regimental Museum.