Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of George and Mary Turner, Wisanger PO, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Military Medal

'At POLYGON WOOD near HOOGE on 28th September 1917 No. 3894 Private G.A. TURNER of 'D' Company 32nd Battalion A.I.F. whilst acting as Company Stretcher Bearer displayed great gallantry, Coolness and devotion to duty. he carried seriously wounded cases through very heavy enemy shell and Machine Gun barrage, thereby undoubtedly saving the lives of these men. He was always ready to respond to appeals along the line and set a splendid example to his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

It is with profound regret that we have to record the death of Mr. George Alfred Turner at the comparatively early age of 47 years.  On Thursday week, the deceased journeyed to the city to participate in the Anzac Day march.  He was taken ill on Sunday and was removed to a hospital at the Semaphore.   Mrs. Turner was notified and she travelled to Adelaide by the s.s. Karatta on Monday.  The late Mr. Turner passed away at 7 pm that evening.  He was the second son of the late Mr and Mrs George Turner of Silverton Farm Wisanger.  While on Active Service in the 32nd Battalion of the AIF he won the Military Medal.  On his return to the Island, he acquired the farm of his late uncles Messrs John and Alfred Turner, and has made many improvements to that property.  As a member of the Bay of Shoals Agricultural Bureau, he advocated for many years, the laying down of experimental grass plots on ironstone country and when approved by the Agricultural Department, he has carried out the experiments for several years with successful results.  He was recently re-elected President of the K.I.A. and H Society for a further term, having previously served in that capacity for two years.  He has been President of the R.S.S.I.L. for several years, District Councillor for 4 years and was President of the Kingscote Racing Club for a considerable time.  He was also a member of the Rifle Club.  He married Elsie, second daughter of Mr. George and the late Mrs. Barrett of Emu Bay.  There are two children, Mr. Malcolm J and Miss Daphne Turner.  The remains were brought back to Kingscote by the s.s. Karratta on Wednesday and removed to the Kingscote Methodist Church.

On Anzac morning, the casket was removed to the District Hall for the combined Anzac and Memorial Service, and thence to the Kingscote Cemetery for interment.  A large gathering of relatives, Returned Soldiers and friends assembled there to pay their tribute of respect.   Returned Soldiers carried their comrade to his last resting place.  There were many floral tributes including one from his Battalion.  The Rev. N.C. Gunthorpe officiated.  We desire to express to the family our deepest sympathy.