Walter TURNBULL

30 April 1915

ANOTHER SKIPTON SOLDIER KILLED – SHOT THROUGH THE HEAD

Another brave Skipton soldier has lost his life in the Great War, the latest name to be added to the roll of honour being that of Private Walter Turnbull of the 1st East Lancashire Regiment, whose home was in Skipton. A day or two ago his sister-in-law, Mrs. Albert Turnbull, who resides at 84 Keighley Road, Skipton, and whose husband, deceased’s brother, of course, is serving with the 6th West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment which left Doncaster for France during Easter week – received the following pathetic letter from one of deceased’s comrades, Private Haworth:–

Expeditionary Force, France, 21.4.15

“Dear Friend, I am very sorry to have to break the news to you, though it nearly breaks my heart, the same as it will yours, to tell you of the sad thing that has happened to Walter, for he has been killed. But he died in peace shot in the head. All his platoon send their best respects. I hope you will write back …………”

FROM A FRIEND

Mrs. Turnbull has not yet received any official confirmation of the sad occurrence, nor have the deceased’s sister or aunt, both of who reside at Skipton. Pte. Turnbull served about five years in the Army, but owing to an injury to the head gained his discharge. He returned to Skipton and worked for a time at the Belle Vue Mills, but on the outbreak of war was employed at Messrs. Lewis’ Manchester emporium. He instantly rejoined his old regiment, and appeard to have been drafted straight to the Front. The first news received from him was in October, and shortly before Christmas he wrote to his sister-in-law saying he was in the trenches. Several missives have been received from him from time to time, but unfortunately these have been mislaid. He gave certain clues to the fact that he had taken part in the Battles of Aisne and Neuve Chapelle, at which latter place he is believed to have met his death.

Both parents of the deceased are dead. His father was a tinsmith and comparatively well know locally. Several copies of the ‘Pioneer’ had been despatched to deceased at his request, all of which were received. His last requested, recently made, was for some tobacco and socks, and these his sister-in-law forwarded on Thursday last, too late – alas! – to be of any service to him.

24 December 1915

CRAVEN’S ROLL OF HONOUR – SKIPTON

Pte. Walter Turnbull, 1st East Lancashire Regiment, and brother-in-law to Mrs. Albert Turnbull of 84 Keighley Road, Skipton, killed in France in April. For a time worked at Belle Vue Mills. Both parents are dead.