In the Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension, Belgium is the Commonwealth War Grave of 6855, 20/1067 Private Charles Henry Edward Turner, serving with the 20th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry, who died 03/06/1917.
The son of Joseph Henry and Jane Turner, of 29, Nottingham Street, North Strand, Dublin. He enlisted in 36th (Ulster) Division Cyclist Company.
Charles Henry Edward Turner was born at 13 Northbrook Avenue, Lower (North Dock, Dublin), on the 16th October 1897, the 2nd son to Joseph Henry Turner, [a Printer Compositor, born 1852] and his wife Jane, [born 1863] daughter of James Murphy, of Kilkenny. They had 4 children Robert James the eldest son, born 1892, Lucinda Grace born 1895, Charles born 1897 and William Arthur born 1900.
In 1901, the family also had brother in law Robert S. F. Murphy age 27, residing with them as well as a nephew Edward C. Gilliland aged 18.
Charles was educated at St Columba School in Dublin. He was an apprentice to an Electrical Engineering Company. When he originally enlisted he was in the Army Cyclist Corps in the 36th (Ulster) Division on the 21st April 1915.
He then served with the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from April 1916.
He was transferred to the 20th (Service) Battalion Durham Light Infantry, taking part in the engagement at Armentieres, and the Battles of Deville Wood, Chival Wood, High Wood and Flers. As a result of the subsequent battles he was sent to hospital suffering from slight shell-shock.
20th (Service) Battalion (Wearside) was formed in Sunderland on the 10th July 1915 by the Mayor and a committee. Moved to Wensleydale in August and then Barnard Castle in October 1915. In January moved to Aldershot and came under orders of 123rd Brigade in 41st Division. On the 5th May 1916, they landed at Le Havre. November 1917, moved with the Division to Italy but returned to France in March 1918.
Charles re-joined his Battalion on the 1st March 1917. Then he was attached for special services to the Royal Engineers in April 1917.
He was killed in action at Wytschaete on the 3rd June 1917.
The family were residing at 29, Nottingham Street, North Strand, Dublin, in 1918.
Source: De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
Charles Henry Edward Turner is remembered at Durham in the History of the 20th Battalion DLI, page 51 his initials are shown as Turner C.R. It should read C.H.E. Turner.
