Sergeant James Y. Turnbull, V.C.
It has been said of James Turnbull that he began to win his V.C. at Troon. He was a born leader, and always a fearless champion of fairplay. He towered above the average man in strength of character as he did in stature, and he was always the same unassuming and genial "Jimmy." He was a fitting embodiment of the ideals of the Seventeenth. A big man for a big occasion—and the big occasion came along on the 1st of July, 1916.
The position of the Battalion was that of a wedge driven against the iron of impregnability, and the driving force suddenly withdrawn. At the thin end of the wedge Sergeant Turnbull, with a handful of men, performed prodigies of valour. From three sides enemy machine guns swept the position, snipers took deadly toll, and bombing attacks were constantly launched. Exposure meant almost certain death. The position was not only desperate; it was hopeless. Yet it was necessary to hold on till nightfall. It was a man's job, and Turnbull filled the bill. He shouldered the responsibility as only a strong man could; and he organised the defence. He had to take countless risks, and was always where the fighting was fiercest. He was the indomitable leader and inspiring example. Wounded, he carried on till his last risk was taken, and he met a soldier's death towards the end of that fateful summer day.
Of a band of heroes he was the beloved leader and super-hero.
Honours Gained by Officers and others
while Serving with the Battalion.[ToC]
Extract from The London Gazette, dated 3/6/16.
"To be additional member of the Third Class or Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
"Lieut.-Colonel D.S. Morton, V.D."