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An August 8th 1918 during the Battle of Amiens, Private William Earl Turner was critically wounded. Private Turner lingered for two days, then on August 10th he died from his wounds. The following is the announcement of his death, taken from the Windsor Record dated August 19th 1918. It reads as follows: "Pte. Earl Turner Killed in Action" "Former 241st man, reverted from" "Rank of Quarter-master Sergeant" "Official notification was received this morning to the effect that Private Earl Turner, formerly quarter-master sergeant of the 241st battalion was killed in action on August 10th, while serving with the 20th battalion in France. Enlisting in the 241st which |
was recruited here in 1916. Private Turner soon worked his way to a sergeant in the quarter-master department.
After crossing to England he reverted to the rank of private in order to get to France quickly. He first went to France in July of last year, but did not enter the trenches until November. Since then he has been on duty continuously with the front line units.
Pte. Turner was 25 years of age and the son of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Turner of 193 Ouellette Avenue. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister. "
Private Brother Earl Turner was buried in the Vignacourt British Cemetery at Somme, France. Earl Turner is memorialized in three local war memorials. A plaque is located in the Blue Lodge Room of the Masonic Temple, the Windsor and Erie Districts Masonic Monument and the Church of Ascension has a memorial plaque. That plaque reads as follows:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
WILLIAM EARL TURNER
20TH BATTALION C. E. F. FORMERLY
Q.M.S. 241ST CANADIAN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
WHO DIED AUGUST 10TH 1918
OF WOUNDS RECEIVED AT THE BATTLE OF AMIENS
AUGUST 8TH 1918. AGED 25 YEARS.
BURIED IN THE MILITARY CEMETERY
AT VIGNACOURT FRANCE.
I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.
Earl Turner was also a member of Ontario Lodge No. 521 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Windsor.
On behalf of a grateful nation Private Turner was posthumously awarded the British War Metal and the Victory Medal, his mother was presented the Memorial Cross in 1920.
