1900, Komati River
TURNER, RICHARD ERNEST WILLIAM Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Dragoons. The official notice in the London Gazette of 23 April, 1901, reads: "Date of Act of Bravery: 7 November 1900. Later in the day, when the Boers again threatened seriously to capture the guns, Lieutenant Turner, although twice previously wounded, dismounted and deployed his men at close quarters, and drove off the Boers, thus saving the guns". Richard Ernest William Turner was born 25 July, 1871, the eldest son of Richard Turner, MLC. He was educated at Quebec, Canada, and entered the Royal Canadian Dragoons, serving as a Lieutenant with that regiment in the South African War of 1899-1902. He won the Victoria Cross, together with Lieutenant Cockburn and Sergeant Holland, for actions of the most devoted heroism. He was three times mentioned in Despatches, given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Richard Ernest William Turner, Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Dragoons", and received the Queen's Medal with six clasps for his services in this campaign. In 1900 he married Harriet Augusta, eldest daughter of Horace George Gooday, of London. They had one son and one daughter. He was in command of the Canadian Brigade of Infantry in the European War in 1914; has been mentioned in Despatches, and created a CB and a KCMG (1917). Major-General Sir R E W Turner was recalled to England in 1917 and appointed General Officer commanding the Canadian Forces in Great Britain.
VC, KCB (m), KCMG, DSO VRI, QSA (6), 1914 Star, BWM, VM & MID, 1902 Coronation, 1935 Jubilee, 1937 Coronation, 1953 Coronation, Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration, Canadian Forces Decoration, Russian Order of the White Eagle, Grand Cross, France Legion d'Honneur, France Croix de Guerre avec Palme.
See his DSO entry.
