Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"A FAMILY AT THE FRONT  

FINE HINDMARSH RECORD

"WHEN I GET BACK HOME IN THE TRENCHES"

Many noble family records of patriotism have been noted recently where whole families almost have answered the call to the colors. Comparable with any of these is the record achieved by the male members of the family of Mr. William Turner, of Sixth street, Bowden. He has a family of seven sons. Three of these are already at Gallipoli, two are now in camp preparing to go to the front, and one of the other two (who are both married) offered himself, but was rejected as medically unfit. William Turner (31) joined the colors in New South Wales. He was at Tarella Station and went into Liverpool Camp. His father had not heard a word from him since he left Australia with one of the early batches until Monday last, when a letter came. Mr. Turner wrote to his son, but the letter came back through the returned letter office. He was therefore naturally apprehensive as to the son's safety. The letter which arrived contained the news that William was still one of the fortunate ones and uninjured.

Lance-Corporal L. K. Turner (24) and Private G. A. Turner (19) were lucky enough to have gone together right through the campaign, until the former was injured —"not seriously," according to the Defence Department's brief notification. They enlisted the same day, had consecutive numbers, left with the first reinforcements, and joined the "Glorious 10th" at Lemnos Island. They were both partakers in the ever-memorable, doings of "Sunday, April 25." So small is the world after all that they found themselves fighting shoulder to shoulder with a cousin Charles Clark (son of Mr. Turner's sister), who enlisted from Murray Bridge. Mr. Turner received a telegram on August 9 to the effect that Len. had been wounded, and the same day a cablegram, arrived stating that they were both well on July 18. It would be interest- ing to know the history of that cable between July 18 and August 9. The last news from George was that he was at one of the hospitals. He briefly said that writing material and time were short, but when he "got back home in the trenches" he would write at length. The former and these two boys' had been working at Cook's, in Rundle street, for a number of years. The latter was in the cycle business at Hindmansh working at Hooker's for about five years.

Private Frank James Turner (32), who is a married man living in Hindmarsh, went into camp on Monday. Private Frederick John Turner (26), who is also a married man, joined the colors about five weeks ago. Both were glass blowers. and they intend trying, as their brothers at the front have done, to get together. S. J. Turner (28) offered for service some three months ago, but was rejected on account of his teeth. He is a married man with a family. Mr. William Turner (the father) is an old resident of Hindmarsh, having lived with, and brought up his family — who many years ago lost their mother — at Sixth street, Bowden. Mr. Roy Turner, the one who has not yet felt duty's call, was married a few weeks ago." - from the Adelaide Daily Herald 03 Sep 1915 (nla.gov.au)