TURNER, Evelyn Victor

Victor Turner was the son of Joseph and Sarah Turner who later lived at Lye. He lived at 'Stourhurst', Stourbridge, and was commissioned to the North Staffordshire Regiment, serving with the 9th (Service) Battalion in the 37th Division. They were the Pioneer Battalion of the Division and operated in small units aiding the three brigades of the Division. For the Battle of the Somme they were attached to the 34th Division at La Boisselle after this Division's very serious losses on the first day of the battle. Their support was invaluable during the several attempts to capture Ovillers and Pozičres and lasted until the 22nd August. After withdrawal for re-training they returned for the Battle of the Ancre in November. On the 18th November a final attempt was made to take Grandcourt or, at least, the German trench named 'Desire'. The Staffords formed up in 'Regina' trench and attacked at 6.10 a.m. behind an artillery barrage and over the first snow of winter. It was bitterly cold and both rain and mist meant any attack was difficult. Half of the battalion were never seen again. 17 officers and 317 men were casualties, including Lieutenant Victor Turner. He was 36 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge and St. Thomas's church Memorials and is further commemorated on his parents' grave in Lye and Wollescote cemetery.