TILL THE END
Arthur Leslie Turner - 8th MG Company

Arthur Leslie Turner was born in Balmain, Sydney in 1893. The second of three children he was working as a pattern maker when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in July 1915, listing his older sister Annie as next of kin. Of very dark complexion, Arthur was known as Darkie by his fellow soldiers.

Given the service number 39 and assigned to the 30th battalion he embarked for the Middle East in December onboard the Beltana. Upon arrival he was transferred to the 8th Machine Gun Company and was now a part of the newly formed 5th Division.

Afters pending time in camp and on duties around the Suez Canal he travelled to France onboard the Tunisian, proceeding by train to Northern France .

On July 19 he took part in the allied attacks on Fromelles. He reached the German lines and fought bravely throughout the night, holding back the Germans as they attempted to retake their frontline trenches. Remaining to the end to cover the retreat of his comrades, Arthur was preparing to withdraw himself, packing up his machine gun and beginning the trip back across No Man's Land, carrying the gun's tripod, when he was killed.

Arthur's remains were collected by the Germans and he was buried in the mass grave at Pheasant Wood. He is also remembered on the grave of his mother and father in Gladesville, Sydney.

Research notes

In 1917, Arthur's sister (who was now Mrs Walton) wrote to the army requesting the death certificate and personal effects of her brother.

However, in 1922, when the army were trying to send out Arthur's war medals they could no longer contact his sister at that address.

But Arthur's family were now beginning to doubt whether or not Arthur had been killed. In 1922, his aunt Mrs I Whittington (who lived in QLD) wrote to the army as Arthur's sister was now under the impression (having been to a spiritual meeting) that Arthur was not dead and was instead in a hospital without any memory.

The army confirmed his death and requested Mrs Whittington pass on the addresses of Arthur's next of kin, particularly his brother, who according to protocol, would be the closest relative before his sister.

The army contacted John Turner who lived in Lilyfield and Arthur's medals could finally be with his family.