John first appeared on a census in 1881 living at Wright St, Sedgley, Stafford, England. His father Samuel was 41 and a Puddler. His mother Mary Ann was 34 and their children were James A, 12, Eliz. A 10, Eliza 8, Anne 6, Florence 4, Samuel 2 and John 1. The whole family had been born in Sedgeley, Staffordshire.
The 1891 census shows the family still living in 28 Wright Street. Father, Samuel was listed as an Iron Worker. Mary Ann’s had given birth to more children. Those listed were Mary A 9, Ellen 7, Henery 4, Ruth 3, John 11 and Samuel 13. Also in the house was Grandmother Eliza Nichols.
(NB. In 1891 Eliza 17 and Florence 14 were “in service” at the home of a Pawnbroker, George H Cooper with his wife Harriet. Brother James A. 22 and Eliz.A. 20 were not listed).
UK soldiers who died in the Great War 1914 -19, accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental information above and adds that he enlisted in Shotton and was born in Sydney Bridge, Staffordshire,
John’s medal card also accessible on ancestry, records his medal details and also tells us that his first theatre of war was France and that he entered it on 19th July 1915.
John Turner in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the sole Legatee was his sister, Mrs. Eliza Ratcliffe who was paid £13. 13s 10d on the 20th October 1917 and his War Gratuity of £12. 10s 0d on the 12th October 1919
County Herald 28th June 1917 – In the lists of Dead & Wounded:- Died – Royal Welsh Fusiliers –Turner 12708 J. (Connah’s Quay)
John’s name is mentioned in the book “Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1918 Royal Welsh Fusiliers Volume 28″.
John is remembered on the Hawarden War Memorial & St. Ethelwolds Church Roll of Honour.
