Alfred's Story.
Alfred, was the son of Frederick and Clara Turner of Clarkes Terrace, Weston Point, Runcorn. He was born and lived at Weston Point and had enlisted in Frodsham.In November 1915 is was reported int he Runcorn Weekly News the following.
"News has been received by his parents Mr and Mrs. Fred Turner, of Clark's Terrace, Weston Point, that Private Alfred Turner, of the 9th Cheshires, was wounded in the fighting in France on November 5th. Private Turner was employed previous to August 31st, when he enlisted, at the Castner-Kellner Works, Weston Point. He is 22 years of age.
The following year he was invloved in the Somme offensive and the following was reported in the local paper.
PRIVATE A. TURNER Private Alfred Turner, whose home is at Clarke Terrace, Weston Point, Runcorn, has been wounded in both knees. His parents received word on Sunday morning. Private Turner was wounded in the leg a year ago. He is now in a London hospital progressing well. Private Turner. who is 24 years of age, joined the Forces soon after the commencement of the war. He was formerly an employee at the Castner Kellner Works.
After recovering from his wounds, Alfred joined the 4th Battalion, and was on the troop ship "Transylvania". This was on passage from Marseilles to Alexandria carrying over 3000 troops when she was torpedoed by the German submarine "U63", two miles south of Cape Verde. Over 400 lives were lost, including two Runcorn men, Alfred and Povey, both of the Cheshire Regiment.
His body must have been recovered as he was buried in Zenola Cemetery, Savona, Italy.
Finally the following article appeared in the Runcorn Weekly News after his death.
Mr. and Mrs, Fred Turner and family desire to thank all friends tor letters and kind expressions of sympathy in ths loss of their son. Private Alfred Turner, who drowned on the Transylvania, 4th May, 1917. Memorial service will be held at Christ Church, Weston Point, 10th June. Clarke's terrace. Weston Point.
Copiled by Graeme Ainsworth and Percy Dunbavand.