Cemetery: Lonsdale Cemetery
Country: France
Area: Somme
Rank: Serjeant
Force: Army
Official Number: 15888
Unit: 17th Bn. Highland Light Infantry.
Country of Service: British
Details: V C 1st July 1916. Age 32. Son of James and Elizabeth Turnbull of Glasgow. IV. G. 9. An extract from The London Gazette No. 29836, dated 24th Nov., 1916, records the following:-For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when having with his party captured a post apparently of great importance to the enemy he was subjected to severe counter-attacks which were continuous throughout the whole day. Although his party was wiped out and replaced several times during the day Serjeant Turnbull never wavered in his determination to hold the post the loss of which would have been very serious. Almost single-handed he maintained his position and displayed the highest degree of valour and skill in the performance of his duties. Later in the day this very gallant soldier was killed whilst bombing a counter-attack from the parados of our trench.
Photograph by Op Tribute 2006 / Martin Harvey