2041B Driver George Theodore Turner - Clifton Creek Died of Wounds 12 October 1917

One of eight children, George was born in Bairnsdale to Isaac and Jane Turner of Moormung where he attended school. At some stage they moved to Clifton Creek where George, as a young man, was involved in farming pursuits and the timber industry. On 16 September 1915, at the age of 22 years, he decided to enlist with the 8 th   Light Horse Regiment and embarked in January 1916 on the Hymettus bound for Heliopolis in Egypt. Once he arrived there he transferred to the 4 th  Divisional Artillery as a gunner and trained until June 1916 when they sailed for France. In France he continued training school and marched out to the front in July. On 13 August he received gunshot wounds to the lower back and was conveyed through the Casualty Clearing stations to be admitted to Graylingwell Hospital in England on 16 August 1916. Upon discharge from hospital he returned to the front, transferring to the 4 th  Divisional Ammunition Column/ Heavy Trench Mortar Battery as a driver and was wounded a second time on 11 October. These wounds, penetrating gunshot wounds to the abdomen, proved fatal and he died the following day. When news of his death reached home it was up to Rev. Carroll to convey the news to his mother at Clifton Creek.  The eulogy in EveryWeek in part described him as very highly esteemed by all acquainted with him, as he was always willing to give a helping hand when it was needed. It went on to say that Driver Turner, who was an enthusiastic member of the Clifton Creek State School committee, and also a member of the A.N.A., rallied to his country's call and took his place among his fellow heroes. … By his death the district has sustained the loss of a very estimable citizen, but his name will always be remembered as one of the best of Australian heroes. At the end of the year George’s mother received his personal belongings including his I.D. disc, letters, photograph and locket. Eventually she also received his medals and a pension of 40 shillings per fortnight. George Turner was buried at Godewaersvelde British Cemetery, Nord Pas de Calais in France. He was 25 years old. He is remembered locally on the Clifton Creek school Honour roll and the Bairnsdale Honour roll. The Honour roll at Clifton Creek school was unveiled on 12 August 1917 and reflected only one death at that time. As it came to pass three of those listed as serving were killed before the war ended.

….. penetrating gunshot wounds to the stomach proved fatal