Alexander Buller Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Buller Turner
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| Born | 22 May 1893 Reading, Berkshire, England |
| Died | 1 October 1915 (aged 22) Chocques, France |
| Buried |
Chocques Military Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914−1915 † |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Victor Buller Turner VC (brother) |
Second Lieutenant Alexander Buller Turner was a brave British Army officer. He was born on May 22, 1893, and sadly died on October 1, 1915, at just 22 years old. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for incredible bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. It is given for showing amazing courage when facing the enemy. Alexander's younger brother, Victor, also earned a Victoria Cross later, during the Second World War.
Early Life and Joining the Army
Alexander Turner was born in Reading, Berkshire, England. His father, Charles Turner, was a major in the Royal Berkshire Regiment. Alexander went to school at Parkside School and Wellington College.
When the First World War began in 1914, Alexander joined the army. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Berkshire Regiment. His unit, the 1st Battalion, was sent to the Western Front. This was a major battle area in France where soldiers fought in long, narrow ditches called trenches.
His Amazing Bravery at Fosse 8
Alexander was 22 years old when he showed incredible bravery on September 28, 1915. This happened at a place called Fosse 8, near Vermelles, in France.
During a battle, the soldiers who threw bombs (called "regimental bombers") were stuck. They couldn't move forward. Alexander Turner bravely volunteered to lead a new attack with bombs. He went almost by himself down a narrow trench, called a "communication trench." He kept throwing bombs without stopping.
His courage and determination were so strong that he pushed the German soldiers back about 150 yards. This allowed his own army's backup troops to move forward safely. It also protected the side of his regiment when they had to pull back. Because of his actions, he likely saved hundreds of his fellow soldiers from being lost.
His Sacrifice and Legacy
Sadly, Alexander was shot in the stomach during this brave action. He died three days later, on October 1, 1915, from his wounds. He passed away at a military hospital in Chocques, France. He was buried at the Military Cemetery in Chocques.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display at the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (Salisbury) Museum in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The official statement about his award, published on November 18, 1915, praised his "most conspicuous bravery." It said his actions probably prevented the loss of many men.
Second Lieutenant Alexander Buller Turner, 3rd Battalion (attached 1st Battalion), Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment).
For most conspicuous bravery on 28th September, 1915, at " Fosse 8," near Vermelles.When the regimental bombers could make no headway in Slag Alley, Second Lieutenant Turner volunteered to lead a new bombing attack: He pressed down the communication trench practically alone, throwing bombs incessantly with such dash and determination that he drove back 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 a loss of some hundreds of men.
This most gallant Officer has since died of wounds received in this action.
