Hanson Victor Turner
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Hanson Victor Turner VC (17 July 1910-7 June 1944) 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 33 years old, and a Corporal ( Acting Sergeant) in the 1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own), British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 6-7 June 1944 at Ningthoukong, Burma (now Myanmar), when Sergeant Turner's platoon was obliged to give ground before strong enemy forces, he reorganised his party and withdrew 40 yards. Although the enemy tried repeatedly to dislodge them, they held the position throughout the night, repelling all attacks. Next day Sergeant Turner decided to take the initiative in driving the enemy off and went forward alone, armed with grenades which he used with devastating effect. When his supply was exhausted he went back for more - five times he did this and it was on the sixth occasion that he was killed while throwing a grenade.
[edit] Further information
- Although Hanson Victor Turner was 'originally' a 'Duke', he was serving with The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own) when he was awarded his VC. When his medal was put up for sale, at auction, it was purchased by the Halifax Town Council, as he was a local, Halifax, resident. It is displayed in the Duke of Wellington's Museum (Halifax, West Yorkshire, England).
[edit] References
- British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
