"In Burma, at Ningthoukong on the night of 6th–7th June, 1944, an attack
was made by Japanese with medium and light machine guns. The attack
largely fell on the position held by a platoon of which Sergeant Turner
was one of the Section Commanders. The enemy were able to use grenades
with deadly effect. Three machine-guns in the platoon were destroyed and
the platoon was forced to give ground. Sergeant Turner with coolness
and fine leadership reorganized his party and with a doggedness and
spirit of endurance of the highest order repelled all attacks. The
position was held throughout the night. When it was clear that the
Japanese were attempting to outflank the position, Sergeant Turner,
armed with grenades, boldly and fearlessly attacked them single handed. He went back five times for more grenades; and on the sixth occasion,
still single-handed, he was killed while throwing a grenade among the
enemy. His conduct on that night will ever be remembered by the
Regiment. His superb leadership and undaunted will to win in the early
stages of the attack was undoubtedly instrumental in preventing the
enemy plan from succeeding. The number of enemy found dead the next
morning was ample evidence of the effect his grenade throwing had had. He displayed outstanding valor and had not the slightest thought of his
own safety. He died on the battlefield in a spirit of supreme
self-sacrifice."
From Sgt. Turner's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 15 August 1944.
May they be at peace,
Brian
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