Private Frederick Joseph Turner's name now takes its rightful place on the South Australian National War Memorial, recognising his service and sacrifice.
A young South Australian soldier who died as a result of illness linked to his First World War service has finally received formal recognition, with his name added to the South Australian National War Memorial on Remembrance Day.
The name of First World War Veteran Private Frederick Joseph Turner was unveiled in the Room of Record following this year’s Remembrance Day service on 11 November. His addition followed approval by the Australian War Memorial Council in March for his inclusion on the national Roll of Honour.
Minister for Veterans Affairs Chris Picton joined other dignitaries at the service to remove the colours of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and reveal Private Turner’s name on the Roll of Honour. His name now holds its rightful place on the South Australian National War Memorial, ensuring his service and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.
Born in Payneham in 1891, Frederick Turner attended St Peter’s College and worked as a commercial traveller before volunteering to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force in December 1915.
Private Turner completed infantry training and undertook a signaller’s course before embarking on overseas service with the 7th Reinforcements of the 32nd Battalion in June 1916, alongside his younger brother, Albert.
Becoming seriously ill during training, Private Turner was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital soon after arriving in England in August 1916 and was subsequently diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. He returned home to Adelaide and was medically discharged in April 1917.
Private Turner passed away from his illness on 13 August 1917, aged just 26, and was buried at West Terrace Cemetery.
The Roll of Honour addition is the result of extensive research by Virtual War Memorial Australia, ensuring Private Turner’s story will be preserved for future generations. For well over a century, his name remained absent from official honour rolls, despite service records establishing that his illness was a result of his military service.
Chief Executive Officer of the Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) Sharyn Roberts said the unveiling demonstrates the importance of the work of the VWMA.
“On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge a long-overlooked young South Australian whose life was tragically cut short by an illness attributable to his military service,” Ms Roberts said.
“Private Frederick Joseph Turner’s name now takes its rightful place on the South Australian National War Memorial, recognising his service and sacrifice alongside those of his fellow 5,537 South Australians who paid the supreme sacrifice.”
“This acknowledgement underscores the vital work undertaken by Virtual War Memorial Australia in uncovering forgotten stories, advocating for long-overdue recognition, and ensuring that the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served are rightfully honoured and remembered,” Ms Roberts added.
For more information on Private Turner’s story, visit the Virtual War Memorial Australia website.
Photo: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Chris Picton and VWMA Chair Peter Williams unveil the name of Private Turner in the Room of Record at the South Australian National War Memorial on Remembrance Day.
