From Kalgoorlie to the Somme: The Sacrifice of Private James Valant Turner

Private James Valant Turner, Service Number 5931, son of James William and Elizabeth (nee Williams) Turner of 322 Egan St, Kalgoorlie, was born and educated in Kalgoorlie. As an 18-year-old postal assistant, Pte Turner enlisted on the 29th of May 1916 and went to the Belmont camp. He embarked from Frementle on October 30th 1916. He was described in his service record as of dark completion, hazel eyes, 5 ft 4in with black hair.

Pte James Valant Turner – Image Australia Fighting Sons of the Empire

Pte Turner was a member of the 27th and later the 28th Battalion and was involved in many important engagements on the Somme front, including Ypres. He was killed in action at Mont St Quentin on September 2nd 1918, only two months before the war ended, aged 19 years.

Private James Valant TURNER (far right) of Kalgoorlie was killed in action in France only two months before WW1 ended – Image Australia War Museum.

The letters of condolence received by his parents from the soldiers’ friends all spoke of him in the highest way. Among them was a moving letter written to Private Turner’s mother by Private J H Little of the 28th Battalion, which read:

James left behind in Kalgoorlie his childhood sweetheart, Alice Margaret WILSON, but they were parted by the tragedy of war. Alice later married Richard Vosper SUMMERS, a policeman, in 1926.

Alice Margaret WILSON (centre) was Pte Turner’s first love, but they were parted by war. Alice, pictured with her sisters Gertrude and Grace.

Military Service Record – Australia War Museum

Ref – The Kalgoorlie Miner ‘Weekender’ 19 April 1997.

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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