in Stanley in the Falkland Islands on 31 July 1910, Turner went to England at the age of 10. He was educated at the King Edward VI Grammar School at Bury St Edmunds. He worked for Barclays Bank and was a member of the Artists Rifles Territorials.
In September 1932 Turner joined the RAF on a short service commission. After training he joined No 19 Squadron at Duxford in September 1933.
Turner moved on to No 65 Squadron and then No 74 Squadron, which was about to sail for Malta. He joined No 87 Squadron at Tangmere on 22 March 1937.
Turner went on to Class ‘A’ of the RAFO in August 1938. He was recalled to the RAF on 1 September 1939 and became a staff pilot at Prestwick. He arrived at 6 OTU on 12 June 1940, for a refresher course. After converting to Hurricanes, he was posted to No 238 Squadron at Middle Wallop on 13 July. He took command of ‘A’ Flight. He destroyed a Bf 109 on 20 July and shared in the destruction of a Bf 110 and a Do 17 on the 21st.
He was shot down in combat over Convoy Peewit south of the Isle of Wight on 8 August, in Hurricane P 3823, and was reported Missing. He was never found and his name is on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 5. There is a memorial to him in Stanley Cathedral, Falkland Islands.
In the squadron’s operations record book it was recorded that, “Flt Lt Turner’s keenness, energy and good humour made him very popular with everyone and his strong reliable character made him an excellent second-in-command. He has been greatly missed.”
