Award SSM Lawrence William TURNBULL (4343733) CGM (Flying), Glider Pilot Regiment: Operation Varsity

brithm · Apr 20, 2022

SSM. Lawrence William "Buck" Turnbull (4343733) Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) Operation Varsity

On the 24th March 1945 during the airborne assault across the RHINE North of WESEL, this Warrant Officer was senior pilot of a glider carrying a heavy load of personnel and medical equipment. Nearing the landing zone, whilst flying at 2000 feet a loose tow rope smashed across the cockpit, a destroying most off the controls and breaking the fin and rudder. His glider, out of control went down in a vertical dive but by superb work on the sole remaining control column, S.S.M. Turnbull managed to bring the aircraft back under control. At the same time, heavy small arms fire was coming up together with a substantial amount of Light 20mm A/A. The glider was hit at least 5 times, killing the second pilot and wounding two passengers. One of the wing tips was shot away and the fuselage was badly damaged. In spite of this S.S.M. Turnbull remained calm and collected and by sheer concentration on his task brought his severely damaged glider and its load down to the landing zone only a hundreds yards from his correct position. On the landing zone itself there was heavy small arms fire and the evacuation f the wounded from the glider was almost impossible. S.S.M. Turnbull organised a stretcher party and with complete disregard of his own personal safety successfully extricated the wounded rom the aircraft. Throughout the whole flying operation and subsequently during the very difficult landing zone conditions, this Warrant Officer showed skill of the highest kind and a degree of courage that was an inspiration to the personnel flying in his glider.
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WO 373/98/106

London Gazette

"This was the only CGM (Flying) awarded to a soldier in WWII and still the only one out of 112 awarded since its inception in 1943" p.210, Wot! No Engines?, Cooper, Alan

Turnbull was married in 1944 he is photographed with his wife (nee Moore) and mother outside Buckingham Palace 1945, born on 2nd February 1920 he was wounded on Operation Ladbrooke 9th/10th July 1944, he didn't take part in Normandy not sure if he took part in Arnhem he travelled with the Army to Ghana in 1949, he died in Bristol 23rd July 1987.

Russell Herbert · Mar 22, 2023

Hi. New to this. Just wondered who posted this and why. Lawrence Turnbull was my grandad so I’m just interested to know

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Award SSM Lawrence William TURNBULL (4343733) CGM (Flying), Glider Pilot Regiment: Operation Varsity

brithm Senior Member

Attached Files:

S_M. Turnbull.jpg

Turnbull gazette 16th August 1945.jpg

Russell Herbert New Member

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Award SSM Lawrence William TURNBULL (4343733) CGM (Flying), Glider Pilot Regiment: Operation Varsity

brithm Senior Member

Attached Files:

S_M. Turnbull.jpg

Turnbull gazette 16th August 1945.jpg

Russell Herbert New Member

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