Alexander Buller Turner

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alexander Buller Turner VC (1893-1915) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Born at home in Reading, Berkshire on 22 May 1893 to Charles Turner, Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Jane Elizabeth (nee Buller) - from Birth Certificate. Educated at Wellington College, Berkshire. Commissioned into Special Reserve of Officers, Royal Berkshire Regiment, 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, his certificate is dated 11 September 1914. He was subsequently transferred to 1st Battalion.

He was 22 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's), British Army, attached to 1st Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 September 1915 at Fosse 8, near Vermelles, France, when the regimental bombers could make no headway, Second Lieutenant Turner volunteered to lead a new bombing attack. He made his way down the communication trench practically alone, throwing bombs incessantly with such dash and determination that he drove off the Germans about 150 yards without a check. His action enabled the reserves to advance with very little loss and subsequently covered the flank of his regiment in its retirement, thus probably averting the loss of some hundreds of men. Second Lieutenant Turner died three days later of the wounds received in this action.

He was shot in the abdomen at close range during the action for which he was awarded the VC. His military death states that he was reported to have died at No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station, Cloques on 1 October and he was buried at the Military Cemetery Cloques.

Brother of Lieutenant Colonel Victor Buller Turner, VC; Family connection with General Sir Redvers Buller, VC.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (Salisbury) Museum (Salisbury, Wiltshire, England).