No. 69096, Private, Harry TURNER
Aged 18
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Harry TURNER was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1899 4A:805), son of Harry and Alice Maude TURNER(née AMEY).
1901 census...Aged 1, he was at 13 Waveney Terrace, Haverhill with his father Harry TURNER [25] machine cutter, born Little Wratting; his mother Alice [22] jacket machinist born Southminster, Essex; sister Alice [2] born Haverhill. They were living with his widowed maternal grandmother, Julia AMEY [49] born Hertfordshire; aunts Bessie [20] cord machinist, Rose [17] button machinist, both born Southminster and aunt Flora [15] jacket machinist born Haverhill. 1911 census... Aged 11, he was at 7 Waveney Terrace, Haverhill with his parents, sister Alice; brother Aubrey [6] born Haverhill. |
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He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds. The South West Suffolk Echo of 2nd November 1918 reported that:- " Mr. and Mrs. H.Turner of 12 Mount Road, Haverhill have received official information that their son, Pte. Harry Turner, of the Queen's, was killed in action on September 21st. Deceased, who was only eighteen years of age, was called to the Colours ten months ago, and had served only five months in France. Previous to enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs D.Gurteen and Sons. The following letters have been received by his parents - From a chum " I a writing to you as promised to Harry, not knowing if you have heard the bad news from the military authorities about him. He is missing, believed killed, on 21st September, after an engagement. I last saw him early in the morning just before it was time for work. Harry being my best chum I feel absolutely cut up as we were always together in the Platoon. Everyone liked him, and he is so much missed. I thank God that he answered my prayer and brought me out safe, but I wish Harry was with me now. I cannot write much as it feels so heart breaking." and from the Lieut.- "I am in receipt of your letter of September 29th. It is with much regret that I have to inform you that your son was killed on September 21st. He was at first reported missing. He was found by men of another Regiment and buried. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. Your son was one of the best men in the Company, and is greatly missed". There is a very comprehensive report on the day's operations see here CWGC records show the 1st Queen's has 104 killed on 21st , 42 buried in Meath Cemetery. |
area of the action
photo: Rodney Gibson
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details