Hi Mack,
Please can we start 17th Battalion A Company III Platoon...
2nd Lt R F Mansergh (Awarded MC August 1916)
2nd Row. 4th from right.
I have good photo of My Grandad A A Bell, but can't spot him in the image. I will keep trying
Tim
I have now picked up a Hi- Res pic of III Platoon
Pt A A Bell Front Row 3rd from right
Sgt James Turner 2nd row. KiA 1/7/1916. 5th from right next to 2/Lt Mansergh (See MEN 17/7/1916)
L/Sgt H. Dixon 2nd row 2nd from left. No known overseas service. Only man tram guards uniform and apparent 'older' age explains likelihood he stayed in Home Service or discharged.
Sergeant James D Turner 8903 was the second Sergeant from III Platoon to be killed in action on the 1st July. The Salford Reporter* recounted a letter received by James’ wife from another man in his Platoon. This indicated he was reviewing sentry positions in Montauban when he was killed by a German shell; the shell also wounded one other man. Sergeant Turner had worked at Messrs. Haslams, Piccadily and lived at 15 Allen Street, Lower Broughton, Salford – in the same Salford suburb as Mark Jackson(the 1st Sgt. to die). Aged 35, James left behind his widow Elizabeth and Daughter Marjorie. Elizabeth and other family members commemorated James in the 1st anniversary edition of the Manchester Evening News. Elizabeth wrote:-
“My memory often wanders, as the shadows fall,
Back to the days of happiness. Days beyond recall
Bravely he fought and fell.”
Sergeant Turner’s brother and sister in law, Sarah and Jack, also provided a poetic tribute:-
“In silent hours we think of you
And of all your pain
But in the land that no sorrow comes,
We hope to meet again.”
James was an accomplished musician and member of the Central Hall Prize Band. He was also a member of Swan Swimming Club.
Updated again in context of Harribobs Memorial Plaque.
Updated with H Dixon 6.11.13
*Courtesy SWARM
