No.5787, Private, Albert John TURNER
Aged 21
|
John Albert Turner was born in Steeple Bumpstead (Risbridge Q2-1895 4A:730), son of John and Mary TURNER (née CLAXTON). 1901 census...Aged 6, (entered as William C and altered to John C) he was at Smith's Green, Steeple Bumpstead with his father John TURNER [41] horsekeeper; his mother Mary Ann [38] born Roughton, Norfolk; half brother Sidney H Turner (Claxton) [19] horseman; brothers George W [18] baker's carter, Ernest [14] stockboy, Charles Alfred [11] and William C [2]. All except his mother were born in Steeple Bumpstead. His mother died in 1906 1911 census...Aged 16, John, a farm labourer, was at Smith's Green still with his widower father; brother Ernest, Charles (both farm labourers, and William. Brother George was married and living at the Tanyard, Steeple Bumptead with his wife Kate [22] born Withersfield and their son Percy [11months] born Steeple Bumpstead. His brother George (as next of kin) completed the "Living Relatives" form on 13th May 1919, giving:- parents dead, full brothers George William [36] Tanyard, Steeple Bumpstead Ernest [33] Smith's green, Steeple Bumpstead Charles [29] 32 Ward'sPlace, off Wellgate, Rotherham William [20] 176 Psalters Lane, Holness, Rotherham half brother Sidney Claxton [38] 176 Psalters Lane, Holness, Rotherham |
|
William enlisted in Chelmsford on 10th December1915. He was a farm labourer, living at the Tanyard, Steeple Bumpstead. He gave his age as 20, was 5 feet 7
inches (170.2 cm) tall, weighed 134 lbs (60.8 kg), chest 33" to 35.5" (83.8 to 90.2 cm). He was placed in the Reserves and mobilised in to the 12th Essex, No.26926, on 2nd March 1916. Transferred to the 23rd battalion,
County of London Regiment he was sent to France (Southampton to Le Havre) on 15th June 1916, joining his unit in the field on 18th June and killed in action
on 16th September.
The battalion were at HIGH WOOD, (now known as Bois des Fourcaux) just north of Longueval. It was the scene of some fierce fighting and changed hand several times. The battalion war diary:- "Btn was placed at disposal of 140th Inf Bde and attacked at 9:25 am (Bn less B Coy, but plus a Coy of 22nd London Regt) Distance of advance, 1,500 yards on magnetic bearing of 29m degrees.Left flank directed on COUGH DROP, right flank to pivot on COUGH DROP.The whole Bn to consolidate a line along crest running NE with patrols pushed into EAUCOURT L'ABBAYE. Right Coy to gain touch with 6th Bn London Regt at junction of FLERS LINE and DROP ALLEY, left Coy to endeavour to get into touch with 50th Division in PRUE TRENCH. The right Coy was to push out strong patrols to EAUCOURT L'ABBAYE and the left a strong patrol along the ridge towards 50th Division. No preliminary reconnaissance of ground was made as there was not sufficient time. At 8:55 am the leading platoons extended and moved forward over the crest in line, the other platoons following at proper distance.The Battn reached the crest in 4 waves, followed by bombers, in good order, without casualties. East of HIGH WOOD they were subjected to heavy barrage fire. At 10:25 am reports came back that the attack was going well. Bn was subjected to very heavy machine gun fire on reaching sunken road.After dark patrols were sent out, encountering German posts and patrols and made prisoners, among them an officer.Casualties very heavy, being brought in from neighbourhood of sunken road. At 2 am 17/9/16 the position was handed over to OC 6th Bn London Regt." CWGC records show that only 18 of the battalion's 150 men killed that day have identified grave. |
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details