3722: A Methodist preacher at war

online resource

posted on 2024-01-16, 17:20 authored by Lest We Forget Project Team

Born in 1888 in Kexbrough near Doncaster. Born to John Samuel Turton, a farm labourer, and May Ann.

Jack moved to Morley, where on 15th April 1911 at the Primitive Methodist Chapel he married Laura Proctor. He was then a farm labourer, she a cloth weaver. Their son Harold was born 29th January 1912. John was also a lay preacher at the Methodist Chapel.

Jack was conscripted in 1916 and his service dated from 2nd October. Giving his occupation as ‘carrier’ (for a green grocer) he was assigned to the Royal Garrison Artillery, as he stated was his preference (his Service Record survives). The records give his rank as Gunner 112809. He served with 19th Siege Battery RGA. On 7th July 1918 he was wounded by a shell and died of his wounds. He was buried in Pernois British Cemetery, France.

History

Name of contributor(s)

John Broadbent

Subject of the story/individual the object(s) relate to

John William (Jack) Turton

Date(s) the event(s) in the story took place

1916-1918

Location(s) where the event(s) in the story took place

Morley, Pernois (France).

Object(s)

Copy of his last sermon, family photos, death scroll, photo of grave, newspaper notices, Battlefield Visits programmes 1937-38, History of 11th West Yorks, RGA cap badge and shoulder titles.