John TURNBULL

15 September 1916

TURNBULL – Killed in action in France, September 3rd, 1916, Pte. John Turnbull, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, third son of Mr. and Mrs. John Turnbull, Oughtershaw, Buckden.

15 September 1916

DALESMAN KILLED IN FRANCE – PTE. JOHN TURNBULL, BUCKDEN

The sad news has been received by Mr. and Mrs. John Turnbull, of Oughtershaw, that their third son, Pte. John Turnbull, who enlisted in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment on May 20th, 1915, was killed in action in France on September 3rd. The deceased soldier went to camp at Clipstone on September 22nd, 1915; to France, February 12th, 1916; was in hospital at Rouen six weeks with throat affection; entered the trenches on June 1st, and met his fate as stated. The following letter has been received by the bereaved parents, to whom deep sympathy is extended:–

September 5th, 1916

“Dear Friends, – I feel it is my painful duty to write to you to sympathise with you in the great blow you have received in the loss of your son Jack. He was a good and hearty young fellow, and was well respected by all the lads in his platoon. I can truly say that all the lads will miss him very much. He had always a kind word and a smile for all. He was laid to rest by the side of his other comrades that were killed at the same time. The gun team that he was in went by and paid the last respects to him at the graveside. He died a soldier’s death fighting for his King and Country. He would suffer no pain, as death was instantaneous. We can only hope that the Lord will give you strength to bear the heavy cross you are called upon to bear. We all share with your trouble. Again, accept our deepest sympathy.

“On behalf of the Lewis gunners, LANCE-CORPORAL KNOWLES.”

The Vicar of Hubberholme preached a memorial sermon on Sunday last, and said that he had known Pte. Turnbull all his life, and loved him through it all. He remembered him so well in Oughtershaw School as a diligent and very pleasant boy. And when his work began at Raisgill, Yockenthwaite, Buckden, and High Greenfield, by his diligence and faithfulness and pleasantness, he made himself liked and loved in all his places, doing his best to learn how to farm; but when the war came, he very soon, with others in the Dale, voluntarily offered himself to do his country service on the battlefield. The Vicar spoke of his handsome, brave, and happy look, and said that he was every inch a soldier, and that he had told him he loved the service and was always glad he had enlisted. The Vicar declared that the Dale was proud of him, and would hold his memory dear, and that though his life had been short it had been glorious, and that his valiant actions had shed a light that would never fade on his home, his village and his native dale. “Sleep sweetly, beloved,” he concluded, “well hast thou earned thy most glorious sleeping place. Oh, rest in the Lord, till the day dawns and the shadows flee away, and father, sister, child, and mother meet once more.”

07 September 1917

TURNBULL – In remembrance of Private Jack Turnbull, killed in action September 3rd 1916.

No Mother’s care did him attend,
Nor o’er him did a Father bend;
No sister by to shed a tear,
No brother his last words to hear.

Far from all who loved him dearly
In a hero’s grave he lies;
Duty called, he nobly answered,
Did his duty till he died.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Oughtershaw.

06 September 1918

TURNBULL – In proud and loving memory of a dear son and brother, Private Jack Turnbull, fell in action 3rd September, 1916, aged 23 years.

He never shunned his country’s call,
But freely gave his life for all;
He died, the helpless to defend,
A British soldier’s noble end.

“Rest in peace.”

From Father, Mother, Brothers, and Sisters, Oughtershaw; also Brother on active service.

05 September 1919

TURNBULL – In loving memory of Pte. Jack Turnbull, killed in action September 3rd, 1916.

His warfare o’er, the battle fought;
His victory won, though dearly bought;
His fresh young life we could not save,
He slumbers now in a soldier’s grave.

“Ever Remembered” by Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters, Oughtershaw.

03 September 1920

TURNBULL – In proud and loving memory of a dear son and brother, Private Jack Turnbull, who fell in action September 3rd, 1916.

A soldier’s grave is a touching thing,
Where loving hands no flowers can bring;
But God in His loving care,
Will guard our dear boy sleeping there.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Oughtershaw.

09 September 1921

TURNBULL – In loving memory of a dear son and brother, Pte. J. Turnbull, who fell in action, Sept. 3rd, 1916.

A soldier’s grave is a touching thing,
Where loving hands no flowers can bring;
But God, in His most loving care,
Will guard our dear boy sleeping there.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, Oughtershaw.