"Lieutenant-Colonel
Turner led a Battalion of the Rifle Brigade at night for 4,000 yards
through difficult country to their objective, where 40 German prisoners
were captured. He then organized the captured position for all-round defense; in this position he and his Battalion were continuously
attacked from 5.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., unsupported and so isolated that
replenishment of ammunition was impossible owing to the concentration
and accuracy of the enemy fire. During this time the Battalion was
attacked by not less than 90 German tanks which advanced in successive
waves. All of these were repulsed with a loss to the enemy of 35 tanks
which were in flames, and not less than 20 more which had been immobilized. Throughout the action Lieutenant-Colonel Turner never
ceased to go to each part of the front as it was threatened. Wherever
the fire was heaviest, there he was to be found. In one case, finding a
solitary six-pounder gun in action (the others being casualties) and
manned only by another officer and a Sergeant, he acted as loader and
with these two destroyed 5 enemy tanks. While doing this he was wounded
in the head, but he refused all aid until the last tank was destroyed. His
personal gallantry and complete disregard of danger as he moved about
encouraging his Battalion to resist to the last, resulted in the
infliction of a severe defeat on the enemy tanks. He set an example of
leadership and bravery which inspired his whole Battalion and which will
remain an inspiration to the Brigade."
From LtCol. Turner's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 20 November 1942.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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