Hanson Victor Turner

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

TURNER, Hanson Victor. (reg No. 1238).

Sergeant. 1st Battalion. West Yorkshire Regiment.

London Gazetted on 17th August 1944.

VC Medal's Custodian is The Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum, Halifax.

Born on 17th July 1910 at Andover, Hampshire.

Killed in action on 7th June 1944 at Ningthoukong, Burma.

Memorial on grave at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Imphal, India.

Digest of Citation reads: Just after midnight on 7th June 1944, a powerful force of Japanese made an attack at Ningthoukong, Burma. In beginning the bulk of the attack was on the south-west corner which was held by a small party of 20 men under the command of Sergeant Turner. The enemy creeping under the cover of a nullah * got into a position where they could use grenades with deadly effect on the small party. Three of their light machine guns having been put out of commission, leaving only one, the party were forced to withdraw a distance of 40 yards which they did under the cool leadership of Sergeant Turner.. The Japanese made continuous attempts to dislodge them, concentrating as much fire as they could in order to allow their advance. Sergeant Turner and his reduced party managed to sustain a fire that held the enemy for two hours. It was due to his determination and endurance that they managed to repel all attacks:allowing them to hold the position throughout the night. He then went forward alone from the position, armed with as many grenades as he could carry, and single handed carried out an attack against the enemy. Using the weapons to devastating effect, all the time under severe fire from the enemy, he returned no less than five times to renew his supplies. On the 6th occasion, however, he was killed in the act of throwing a grenade into an enemy party.

* Hindu for dry river bed or ravine.