Henry Turnbull

Private Henry Turnbull

1569 Private

1/7th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 10th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division

Age: 19

Date of Death: 25.4.15

Buried: Menin Gate Memorial Panel 42 and 44

Family history: Son of John and Mary L S Turnbull, 18 East Borland, Denny. He was employed as a miner at Woodyet Colliery, Denny and worked alongside his father. He had been a member of the Territorial Battalion for four years.

The action leading to his death

The 25 April 1915, is a day that brought catastrophe to 1/7th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and to the towns and villages of Falkirk District. The 1/7th Battalion were seen as Falkirk District’s Battalion. The men were all serving Territorials, work mates and friends. 25 April 1915 - Catastrophe at St Julien: The 7th Argyll's The War Office had written to Henry Turnbull's parents advising them that their son was a prisoner of war however, in a letter to his parents two comrades, Private Alex Henry and Private John Baird, advised them of their

IWM Image. A house near Wieltje Road were officers and men of 10th Brigade are buried following attack on 25 April 1915 Coat hangars used as crosses

sons death. They wrote: ‘Just a short note from John Baird and I, as we heard you had got word from the War Office to the effect that your son Henry was a prisoner of war in Germany, but we feel very sorry to have to let you know the real truth. Henry was killed, for J Baird and I buried him in a little garden beside a farm and put a wooden cross up bearing his name, number and regiment. We got an evergreen and a flower pot, which we also placed on his grave. We intended to put a railing round it, but we were interrupted. Nevertheless, if we get the chance we will put one up. We hope you will find a comfort in knowing that your son Henry died a hero, and you have our sympathy. I may say the rest of the Denny lads are all well - I mean those who are left. I suppose you would hear about Jas. Sharp (Private James Sharp), another one of our pals, poor chap, who also died a hero. His parents also have our sympathy.’ Private John Baird was subsequently sent back to Woolwich Hospital suffering from the effects of gas.

Medals Awarded:

1915 Star, The British War Medal, Victory Medal

Private Henry Turnbull, 1/7th Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Medal Index Card