World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Birmingham, England, he served as a Private in the 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, British Army. In an attack on July 3, 1916, the village of La Boisselle, France, was captured but control of the enemy was very difficult. Private Turrall volunteered to be a member of detail led by an officer to go through the village, bombing, taking prisoners and picking up stragglers. When a hidden machine gun opened fire, all of the detail was killed except Private Turrall and the officer. Trying to escape, the officer was wounded and Private Turrall dragged him to a shell hole for cover. As Private Turrall tended to the wounded officer, two Germans rushed them and Private Turrall shot them both dead. Later that night the Germans made another counter-attack and Private Turrall again held them off. He then managed to make his way back to his battalion trenches, carrying the wounded officer. For most prestigious gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on December 30, 1916. After the war, kept in close contact with the Regiment and attended many Regimental functions as the guest of honor. He died at age 78 in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Birmingham, England, he served as a Private in the 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, British Army. In an attack on July 3, 1916, the village of La Boisselle, France, was captured but control of the enemy was very difficult. Private Turrall volunteered to be a member of detail led by an officer to go through the village, bombing, taking prisoners and picking up stragglers. When a hidden machine gun opened fire, all of the detail was killed except Private Turrall and the officer. Trying to escape, the officer was wounded and Private Turrall dragged him to a shell hole for cover. As Private Turrall tended to the wounded officer, two Germans rushed them and Private Turrall shot them both dead. Later that night the Germans made another counter-attack and Private Turrall again held them off. He then managed to make his way back to his battalion trenches, carrying the wounded officer. For most prestigious gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace on December 30, 1916. After the war, kept in close contact with the Regiment and attended many Regimental functions as the guest of honor. He died at age 78 in Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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