James Youll Turnbull
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James Youll Turnbull VC (December 24, 1883 - July 1, 1916) was a Scottish 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.
He was 32 years old, and a sergeant in the 17th Battalion (Glasgow Commercials), The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the Battle of the Somme in First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
- On 1 July 1916 at Leipzig Salient, Authuille, France, Sergeant Turnbull's party captured a post of apparent importance to the enemy who immediately began heavy counter-attacks which were continued throughout the day. Although his party was wiped out and replaced several times, Sergeant Tumbull never wavered in his determination to hold the post, the loss of which would have been very serious. Almost single-handed he maintained his position, displaying the highest degree of valour and skill in the performance of his duty. Later in the day he was killed while engaged in a bombing counter-attack.
Grave/memorial at Grave at Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuille, France. 4 miles N. of Albert. Plot IV, Row G, Grave 9, Headstone.
The son of the gallant soldier then immigrated to Newcastle, Australia. His descendants now live in Hunter's Hill in Sydney.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- VCs of the First World War - The Somme (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)
