wars

Many Turvey residents still remember the impact of war on the village. Some, like my grandfather, served abroad in terrible conditions. Some stayed in the village, perhaps with reserved occupations, keeping the home-fires burning. Others gave their lives so that their families and friends might be free. I dedicate this page to all those people and thank them for their courage and patriotism.

These chaps are cavalry soldiers from the Great War. They were billeted at Turvey Abbey. Many of them are clutching their saddles or harnesses - perhaps the photographer disturbed their tack cleaning duties!

Here we see World War II soldiers and nurses marching proudly through the village, past the Tinkers Inn, at the end of the war. It must have been a most remarkable time, with thoughts both joyous at the end of the destruction but with sadness for those who would not be returning.

Members of the Home Guard, affectionately known as 'Dads Army', stand to attention in Turvey. These gentlemen were often Great War veterans or men in reserved occupations who could not serve in the conventional army. Despite their frequent lack of guns (or ammunition!) and the fact that some were quite infirm, these chaps bravely trained to defend their village should 'Jerry' ever invade.

Community spirit is at its highest in wartime. The women of Turvey united to help each other out with child care, cooking and cleaning. With your loved ones away fighting, keeping a home and family was a very tough job. These ladies were proud, strong willed individuals who helped keep the village functioning throughout the two World Wars.

My Nan was one of these ladies, at one point in the War my grandfather was reported missing in action, presumed dead. It was a good few weeks before news reached my Nan that he was, in fact, OK.

This beautifully carved memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War (World War I) is just to your left as you enter the church porch. The names on it are as follows:

John W Backhouse

Leonard Bashford

Arthur Bond

Percy Clifton

Reginald Cotton

Albert Essery

Ben Furness

Frederick S Hilson

Raymond Hopkins

Frederick King

Oliver King

George Law

Kenneth Longueth-Higgens

Horace Lovell

John D. Munby

R.I. Blatchford Oldrey

G Vivian Oldrey

Horace Sargent

Percy J. Sargent

Sydney Sargent

Harry Warren

John Wesley

For detailed accounts of the men named on the War Memorial in front of the church, please click this link to the Roll of Honour Pages.