Global InformationJames Youll Turnbull information
James Youll Turnbull | |
|---|---|
 James Youll Turnbull as depicted on a cigarette card | |
| Born | 24 December 1883 Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 1 July 1916 (aged 32) Leipzig Salient, Authuille, France |
| Buried | Lonsdale Cemetery, Authuille |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers 17th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | First World War
|
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Played rugby for Cartha Queens Park RFC |
James Youll Turnbull VC (24 December 1883 – 1 July 1916) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Before the First World War, he played rugby for Cartha Queens Park RFC and was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers.
He was a sergeant in the 17th Battalion (Glasgow Commercials), The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the Battle of the Somme in First World War. On 1 July 1916, Turnbull was awarded the VC for his actions at Leipzig Salient, Authuille, France, where Turnbull's party captured a post of apparent importance, and defended it "almost single-handed[ly]". Later in the day he was killed while engaged in a bombing counter-attack. He was 32 years old.