William Turner

Pte W Turner Worksop Guardian 3 March 1916 Another Worksop soldier fighting for honour and liberty, has been called upon to fill a soldier’s grave in the person of Pte W Turner 15512, of the Sherwood Foresters, who up to the time of enlisting lived with his parents, Mr and Mrs Tomas Turner, at 4 Humber Street, Worksop. His parents, however, have since removed to Retford. Pte Turner, who was well known in Worksop, enlisted on September 9th 1914; in fact he was one of the very first to enlist when the call came for men during the second month of the war. His two brothers also donned khaki; George Turner joined the 6th Lincolns and took part in the new landing at Sulva Bay, and was later taken ill and is in hospital at Molten. Another brother, Jack, is with the Sherwood Rangers at Swaffham. They are nephews of Mrs Cooper, of Gravel Hill Lodge, Welbeck, and Mr and Mrs Charles Hallam of 29 Castle Street, Worksop. The first intimation of the distressing news is conveyed in a letter received on Monday by Mrs Cooper from Turner’s quartermaster-sergeant (J C Cooper), who although bearing the same name is no relative. In the communication, quartermaster-sergt Cooper says:- “Dear Mrs Cooper, just a few lines to let you know that your nephew is missing, and, I am afraid, killed. I send you my deepest sympathy in your sorrow, as I cannot hold out any hope of you ever seeing your dear nephew again. I am enclosing two letters that was found in his paybook and some fags that arrived today, also a photo, trusting you will receive them safely. I wood recommend you to one in your great sorrow who never fails us – that is the Heavenly Father. I am sure He will comfort you and bless you. I beg to remain yours, etc, J C Cooper, D Coy, quartermaster-sergt, 10th Sherwoods.” To the relatives great sympathy will be extended, but in their hour of bitter trial, they will have the consolation to know that Turner died as he had lived, a brave , steady, well conducted lad, who did not shirk his duties and responsibilities.

CWG additional information:- Son of Thomas and Hannah Turner, of 4, Gladstone Place, Eastgate, Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt