TURNBULL, David Hilton
| Service Number: | R63347 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 1 July 1964 |
| Last Rank: | Able Seaman |
| Last Unit: | HMAS Penguin (IV) 1939-1940/HMAS Brisbane 1940-1942/HMAS Moreton (I) 1942-1994 (Depot) |
| Born: | Renmark, South Australia, 22 December 1947 |
| Home Town: | Renmark, Renmark Paringa, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Renmark Primary School and Renmark High School |
| Occupation: | Permanent RAN |
| Memorials: | Renmark & District Honour Roll Korea/Malaya/Borneo/Vietnam |
Non Warlike Service
| 1 Jul 1964: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Ordinary Seaman, R63347, HMAS Cerberus (Shore) |
|---|
Vietnam War Service
| 20 Sep 1965: | Involvement Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, R63347, HMAS Vendetta (II) |
|---|
Malaysia / Indonesia Confrontation Service
| 24 Dec 1965: | Involvement Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, R63347, HMAS Vendetta (II), Engaged in patrols of the Malacca Straits as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve to counter inflitration atempts by Indonesian Forces. |
|---|
Non Warlike Service
| 8 May 1968: | Discharged Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, R63347, HMAS Penguin (IV) 1939-1940/HMAS Brisbane 1940-1942/HMAS Moreton (I) 1942-1994 (Depot), Medical Discharge - classified TPI |
|---|
Help us honour David Hilton Turnbull's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Steve Larkins
David Hilton TURNBULL (1947-)
David Hilton Turnbull was born in Renmark SA on Dec 1947, to parents Hilton andElizabbbeth Jean TURNBULL. He had a sister Clare Jennifer. TURNBULLHe grew up and went to school in Renmark.
David distinguished himself at a very young age (10yo) in the course of an incident on 6 February 1958. David was invited to join a small group of friends at a popular local swimming spot on the River Murray.
While swimming in the river, he noticed a disturbance in the water, where Mrs Smith was struggling to rescue her two sons David and Richard, who had got into difficulties in deep water.
David Turnbull immediately swam to the group and brought David Smith ashore, asking the girls on the beach to help with respiration assistance, while he returned for Richard and Mrs Smith.
David Turnbull recovered Richard to shore and then returned to render assistance to Mrs Smith but she assured David that she would be able to reach the shore unassisted, which she did.
He was subsequently recognised for his actions by the Boy Scout movement with the award of a Silver Star of Gallantry, presented by the Chief Scout, His Excellency the Governor General, Field Marshall Sir William Slim of Burma, at a ceremony at Government House on 3 May 1956, with an articles on the occasion being published in 'The News' newspaper on 19 May 1958.
After leaving school, David enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 4 April 1964. He served on HMAS Vendetta during COnrontation with Indonesia over the formation of Malaysia in Sarawak (Borneo) the Vietnam War and as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve. Initially trained and employed as an ASDIC (underwater detection system) operator. He changed trades to become an Elecrical Mechanic. Much of his later service was spent hospitalised and he was eventually discharged medically for as a result of his illness and classified as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated. (TPI) in 1968.
Awarded Australian Active Service Medal 1945-5 with Clasp Vietnam and Borneo.
General Service Medal with Clasp Borneo
Vietnam Logistic Support Medal
Australian Service Medal with Clasp FESR (Far East Strategic Reserve)
Defence Service Medal
Malaysian Independence Medal
Sources:
Service Record
LEUT Ron Read RAN
Click images to start slideshow.