Home > Ordinary Heroes > Herbert Duncan Bruce Turner

In this wonderful 1911 photograph, Herbert is centre rear.

Herbert Duncan Bruce Turner was born on 17 April 1881 in Tanjore, Madras, India and baptised there on 18 May 1881. He was the son of Samuel Clapham Turner, who was a Locomotive Foreman on the South India Railway, and Emma Maria Tomlinson. They had been married on 28 October 1875, in Manchester Cathedral.

Herbert was educated at The Lawrence Memorial Royal Military School, Lovedale, Ootycamund. Set in the Nigiri Hills in South India, this is one of five famous military schools, which were originally known as Lawrence Asylums for the orphaned children of the British Military.

Herbert entered the school on 2 May 1899, and his brother Lionel Valentine Turner also entered the school, on the same day.

On 25 July 1895, aged 14 years and 3 months, Herbert joined the Royal Horse Artillery at Ootycamund as a Boy, for a period of engagement of 12 years.

His description on attestation was: Age physically 15 yrs, 5 feet 2 inches tall; weight 87 lbs, chest measurement 29 and a half inches. He had a fair complexion, brown eyes, light brown hair, and his religion was given as Church of England. His trade is given as Musician and Tailor - not bad for a boy of 14!

Herbert was attached to M Battery, Royal Horse Artillery in Madras. On 22 february 1896 he was posted and appointed Trumpeter with the 21st Field Artillery. Various other postings and mopvements followed: 16 December 1898,to J Battery RHA; 8 January 1900, Trumpeter, L Battery RHA. He became a Gunner on 1 September 1900, Acting Bombardier 26 July 1902, Bombardier 3 December 1902, Corporal 25 March 1905. He was still only 24, but already had 10 years with the colours.

At some point he became 10930 Battery Quarter Master Sergeant.

He married Emma Jackson on 9 February 1907 at St Georges, Hulme, Lancaster, winessed by William Henry Loasby and Elizabeth Morley.

Herbert was re-engaged by the Royal Horse Artillery at Ipswich on 10 July 1906, to complete 21 years service. He extended this further, in 1912 and again in 1913.

On 5 August 1914 the after war was declared - Herbert was promoted to Master Sergeant and posted to 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery. Herbert served with the BEF in France, and subsequently moved to Mesopotamia.

He was commissioned as Lieutenant on 14 December 1914. He had served 19 years and 142 days in the ranks.

An interesting change occurred on 17 March 1916, when he was attached to the Royal Flying Corps and was appointed Flying Officer Observer.

Herbert was invalided to India from Alexandria, Egypt on 21 April 1916, and from there moved to England on HMS "Hertfordshire", on 16 September 1916. This experienced career soldier died at the age of 36 on 9 August 1917 at 3rd Northern General Hospital, Sheffield of malaria and heart failure.

His service record gives 20th Battery, 9th Brigade RFA (serving with the Meerut Division) as his last posting.