Name
George Guy Turner
5 November 1889
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/08/1918
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Sapper
20862
Australian Engineers
3rd Field Company
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Searched but not found
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES
VII. C. 9.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
George was born on 5 November 1889 in Hitchin and christened on 29 Dec 1889 in Holy Saviour Church, Hitchin. His parents were and (née).
In 1891 the family were living at 11 Verulam Road, Hitchin. Of the parents only Elizabeth (37) was present. She was described as wife with an occupation of a clerk of works but this almost certainly refers to he husband and probably explains his absence. The children listed were: Elizabeth (16), Marie E (13), Alfred (10), Laura E (7), Frederick W (5) and George Guy (1). They may not have been in Hitchin long as all the other children apart from George were born elsewhere.
In 1901 the family were living at Marshall Terrace, Barwick in Elmet, Yorkshire. Present were both parents: Alfred (47) and Elizabeth (47), with Albert working as a clerk of works - architectural. Their children present were: Laura, Frederick and George.
It is not yet know when George emigrated to Australia, but he enlisted there on 23 October 1917 and joined on the 30th when he was 27 years and 11 months old and working as a motor mechanic. Initially his father, Alfred, was given as his next of kin and living at Park Prewett Lodge, Basingstoke, Hamps., but this was updated to George's wife Madge Turner Swansea via Newcastle New South Wales. He was described as 5 91/4” tall, 154 lbs with a 34 to 26” chest measurement, with a dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair.
Wartime Service
George held the Service Number 20862 in the 3rd Field Company of the Australian Engineers. He was killed in action.
His service record shows that he went to the Show Ground Camp, in Sydney, received dental treatment on 30 October and then on 6 November 1917 joined the 2nd MD Engineer Reinforcements and was given leave between 9 and 12 November.
He embarked from Sydney on the Canberra on 16 November 1917, the disembarked in the Suez 21 December 1917. On the January 7th he had committed the offence of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline by appearing late for parade and was confined to barracks for a day.
He embarked Port Said 9 January 1918 landing in Southampton, via Taranto, on 30 January 1918.
At Colchester, on 1 July 1918, he was sick with bronchial asthma and was sent to Brightlingsea being discharged on the 16th, then proceeded overseas via Southampton on 13 August, marched to Rouelles. He joined the 3rd Field Coy. Australian Engineers on 20 August 1918 and was killed in action on the 25th.
The report of his death reads: “The above-named soldier was killed at Froissy(sic) Beacon on 25. 8. 18. By the explosion of a German ammunition dump, caused presumably by a delayed action shell or mine left in the dump by the enemy.
Death which was instantaneous was caused by fragments of shell which hit in in many vital parts
At the time of his death he was engaged on fitting gas proof doors to a Battalion Aid Post, about 100 yards from the dump.
He was buried in Morcourt Cemetery (Sheet 62D. Q.16. C.28. Grave No. 1593). As no Church of England Chaplain was available the burial was conducted by Roman Catholic Chaplain.” This report was signed by L. J. Price. Lieut. For O.C. 3rd Field Coy., A.E.
He was buried in Plot 7, Row C, Grave 9 in the Heath Cemetery in Harbonnieres in France.
Additional Information
After his death his wife received effects and signed for them on 15 May 1919. They included 1 wallet, letters, photos, 1 pipe, 1 dictionary, 1 coin, 1 air cushion and 1 metal cigarette case.
She later (16/11/1922) received his memorial plaque and medals.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
