Background
Ronald William Turner was born in York, England, on 17 November 1897.
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Ronald Turner
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Career
He was credited with nine aerial victories while flying as an observer/gunner in two-seater fighters. He worked for five years as a joiner and carpenter prior to enlisting in 1914 to serve in Turner served in the Royal Engineers as a lance corporal, until selected for officer training, and was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant in the Yorkshire Regiment on 27 June 1917. Turner transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in December 1917, and was appointed an aerial observer on 27 April 1918.
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20 Squadron to crew a Bristol F.2b two-seater fighter, his first aerial victory came on 18 May 1918 with pilot Lieutenant John Henry Colbert. Turner then returned to flying with Colbert for his final two victories on 24 and 29 July. On 9 August 1918, he was medically evacuated to a London hospital.
He was rewarded for his valour with the on 4 November 1918.
His award citation short-changed him when it read: 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Lieutenant) Ronald William Turner (Yorkshire Regiment) "A skilful and determined observer who in recent operations has shot down six enemy machines, accounting for two Albatross scouts in one flight." He was subsequently promoted to temporary lieutenant, with seniority from 27 December 1918. Upon recovery, he would serve at the School of Air Gunnery to the end of the year, and at the 50th Training Depot Station in early 1919.
List of aerial victories On 1 June 1919, he was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force, and relinquished his commission in the Yorkshire Regiment on 1 December 1920, retaining the rank of lieutenant.
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Born
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Died
June 1, 1919 (aged 22) -
Nationality
United Kingdom