Remembering John Turner: His Service and Sacrifice

On 10 May 2025, my son and I visited this man’s grave and presented a Canadian flag and a Remembrance “Lest We Forget” flag in recognition of his service to Canada in the First World War.

His obituary gives some sense of his life and service.

“TURNER — John MacDonald, passed away peacefully September 21, 1983, in Vancouver, B.C., aged 92 years. Predeceased by his loving wife, Ellen, in 1970. He will be grievously mourned by his son, John; also numerous relatives and friends. Mr. Turner served at the front as a Regimental Sargent Major in the First World War with the Winnipeg Rifles (“Little Black Devils”). Served with the Canadian Forces in the Second World War. Also a lifetime member of the R.C.M.P. Vets. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 27 at 12:30 p.m. in the Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver. Arrangements through First Memorial Services.”

Vancouver Sun. September 24, 1983. Page 12.

He rests under a large tree at the Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver with his wife, and we took the time to acknowledge his service with some words of appreciation.

John McDonald Turner originally enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Vancouver with the 103^rd Battalion on 10 December 1915. For unknown reasons, he was discharged from this unit on          17 December 1915. He re-enlisted at Winnipeg, Manitoba, with the 90th Battalion on 11 February 1916 and was then transferred to the 190th Battalion on 17 April 1916.

He was married to Ellen Warren on 23 November 1916, in Vancouver, and $20.00 per month assigned pay.

Perhaps because of his previous experience with the North-West Mounted Police and the Legion of Frontiersmen, he was appointed the rank of Acting-Sergeant, then Sergeant, and finally, as Acting Regimental Sergeant Major. He reverted to the rank of Sergeant and was transferred to the 199^th (The Irish Rangers) on 11 November 1916.

With this final transfer, the now Private Turner was shipped overseas and arrived in England on 26 December 1916, and he was appointed, once again, to Acting-Sergeant two days after arriving in England. For some reason, he was appointed Acting-Corporal two months later, and with his transfer to the 23rd Reserve Battalion at Shoreham, to the permanent grade of Private.

He was then transferred to the 13^th Infantry Brigade at Witley Camp and appointed Acting-Sergeant on 17 May 1917, but he went Absent Without Leave and was returned to the rank of Private.

Private Turner was Struck Off Strength to the 161^st Battalion at Witley and served there until transferred to the 4^th Reserve Battalion on 23 February 1918. This was in preparation for active service 18 August 1918, and 2 days later, he was at the Canadian Infantry Base Depot at Etaples and then sent to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement three days later and then joined the 18^th Battalion “in the field” on 31 August 1918.

He served with the 18^th Battalion until its disbandment at London, Ontario on 24 May 1919. During his time at the 18^th Battalion, he was appointed as an Acting-Lance Corporal.

He is recorded to have lived in Fairlight, Saskatchewan, in 1922.

After the war, he returned to Vancouver and lived to the ripe old age of 92, dying on 21 September 1983, outliving his wife by 13 years. It appears they had one son, John.