Robert Turner
Robert James Turner
Rank: Private
Service Number: 4929
Units Served: 50th Battalion
Personal Details: Robert James Turner was born on the 25th of May 1889 at Mount Torrens, South Australia. He was the youngest child of William and Maria Turner. He was married to Ellen Agnes Turner when he enlisted, and they were living at Edilillie near Port Lincoln. They had no children. He listed his occupation as Blacksmith.
Enlistment Details: He enlisted on the 31st January 1916 and was posted to the 15th Reinforcements of the 10th Battalion at the age of 26.
Details about his role in War: Robert embarked from Adelaide on the 9th of March 1916 on the “Mongolia” and arrived in Egypt between March and May.
On the 20th of May 1916, Robert was re-allotted from the 3rd Training Battalion to the 13th Training Battalion as reinforcements for the 50th Battalion.
Robert left Egypt aboard the Huntspill on the 7th June 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles 7 days later. He was sent to hospital in Etaples with a fever and bronchitis on the 19th July and discharged a week later.
On the 13th of August, Robert was taken on strength and joined the 50th Battalion. He was involved in the battle of Mouquet Farm at Wire Trench on the front line.
On the 15th of November, Robert was evacuated sick with rheumatism and spent time in the 12th General Hospital at Rouen. He was discharged on the 22nd and was sent back to Etaples for base duties until the 10th January 1917 when he re-joined the 50th Battalion in the field.
From then on, Robert marched and trained with the 50th Battalion until he was admitted to the st South Midland Casualty Clearing Station with pneumonia on 7th of February, 1917. He died there one day later on the 8th of February, 1917.
Age at Death: 28
Cemetery Details: Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension Grave V.A.26
Image from the Virtual War Memorial of Australia
