Date of death:

January 26th, 1976

Service number:

26216

Nationality:

British

Squadron Leader Willie Turner was an ex Clifton College graduate and entered Cranwell as a cadet in August 1929. He spent most of his early career on bombers but after an instructors course became adjutant and flying instructor on 607 Squadron AAF from July 1937. He returned to Bomber Command as 'B' Flight Commander, 51 Squadron at Dishforth in February 1939.
On May 19th, 1940 he led four Whitley's, to join with others, on an attack on the oil refineries at Hanover. His Whitley, MH-K K1407 was badly damaged by AA fire and it came down near Ludwigshaven. All were taken POW and send to Stalag Luft 3 Sagan and Belaria. In mid 1940, Willie Turner was one of only four POW s with a knowledge of the code supplied and taught by section 'Y' of MI6.
After the war he continued his career in the RAF and retired in 1957. He became a farmer and died January 26, 1976.

Promotions:
July 25th, 1931: Pilot Officer
January 25th, 1933: Flying Oficer
July 25th, 1933: new appointment date to Flying Officer
July 25th, 1936: Flight Lieutenant
February 1st, 1939: Squadron Leader
April 1st, 1946: Temporary Wing Commander
July 1st, 1946: Temporary Group Captain
July 1st, 1 juli 1947: Group Captain
October 26th, 1957: retirement

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

March 26th, 1940

Citation:
"Squadron Leader Turner was the captain of one of the aircraft which attacked the seaplane base at Sylt on the night of 19-20th March 1940. In the face of severe antiaircraft fire he showed great determination and ability in attacking his target effectively.
Both small arm a'nd heavy artillery fire surrounded his aircraft in conditions that gave the defence every opportunity, but he calmly and accurately completed his task of bombing
the hangars."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1940

• - The London Gazette Issue 33747 published on the 25 August 1931
  - The London Gazette Issue 33909 published on the 7 February 1933
  - The London Gazette Issue 34113 published on the 11 December 1934
  - The London Gazette Issue 34321 published on the 8 September 1936
  - The London Gazette Issue 34594 published on the 31 January 1939
  - The London Gazette Issue 34817 published on the 26 March 1940
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37560 published on the 7 May 1946
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37687 published on the 13 August 1946
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38020 published on the 18 July 1947
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 41217 published on the 1 November 1957
  - RAF Commands 1939-1945
  - Clifton Rugby Football Club History