British Foreign Policy 1815-65

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The Battle of Inkerman

Sergeant Turner, RMLI

This document has been shared, most graciously, with the Victorian Web by David Stewart of Hillsdale College, Michigan; it has been taken from the College's website. Copyright, of course, remains with Dr. Stewart. This document has been copied from its primary location on The Victorian Web.

The photographs of Sgt. Turner were sent to me by Gail Frampton, his great-great-grand-daughter. I am most grateful to her for sharing these wonderful photos and the information.

2 November 1854

The 2nd November, 1854, was an active day, 312 rank and file marched off from the heights of Balaklava, for the Light Division, under the command of Captain Hopkins, R.M.L.I. [Royal Marine Light Infantry], the detachment was divided into four companies, taking turn in the trenches. On the morning of the 5th, the relief, which had just returned, were preparing their rude breakfast; the firing from Sebastopol was gradually increased, and then commenced in our rear. Nothing could be distinguished but fog and smoke from where we were. The bugle sounded the "Fall-in" at the double, and officers were flying about giving orders, saying vast columns of the enemy were moving up to our rear. The roll of musketry was terrific; we were advanced cautiously until bullets began to fall amongst us, the sergeant-major was the first man killed; order given to lay down; it was well we did so; a rush of bullets passed over us; then we gave them three rounds, kneeling, into their close columns. At the same time some seamen opened fire from some heavy guns into their left flank, and this drove them back into the fog and smoke. Our Commanding Officer received several orders from mounted officers at this critical time; first it was "advance," then it was "hold your ground and prevent a junction or communication with the town." The Inkermann Caves were occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, who were picking off our officers and gunners; between us and these men was an open space exposed to the broadside fire of a frigate in the harbour under shelter of the wall, but she had been heeled over so as to clear the muzzles of her guns, when fired, from striking the wall; thus, her fire raked the open part. The Caves were to be cleared, and the Marines ordered to do it; as soon as we showed ourselves in the open, a broadside from the frigate thinned our ranks; Captain March fell wounded. Captain Hopkins ordered his men to lie down under a bit of rising ground, and ordered two privates, Pat Sullivan and another man, to take the Captain back, and there he stood amidst a shower of shot and shell, seeing him removed..

A division under Sergeant Richards and Corporal Prettyjohns, was then thrown out to clear the caves, what became of the Commanding Officer and the other I never knew, so many statements have been made. We, under Richards and Prettyjohns, soon cleared the caves, but found our ammunition nearly all expended, and a new batch of the foe were creeping up the hillside in single file at the back. Prettyjohns, a muscular Westcountryman, said, "Well, lads, we are just in for a warming, and it will be every man for himself in a few minutes. Look alive, my hearties, and collect all the stones handy, and pile them on the ridge in front of you. When I grip the front man you let go the biggest stones upon those fellows behind." As soon as the first man stood on the level, Prettyjohns gripped him and gave him a Westcountry buttock, threw him over upon the men following, and a shower of stones from the others knocked the leaders over. Away they went, tumbling over the other, down the incline; we gave them a parting volley and retired out of sight to load; they made off and left us, although there was sufficient to have eaten us up. Later in the day we were recalled, and to keep clear of the frigate's fire had to keep to our left, passing over the field of slaughter. On being mustered, if my memory is not at fault, twenty-one men had been killed and disabled, and we felt proud of our own Commanding Officer, who stood fine, like a hero, helping Captain March. Corporal Prettyjohns received the V.C., Colour-Sergt. Jordan the Medal and £20 for Distinguished Conduct in the Field, Captain Hopkins a C.B., others were recommended.

Prettyjohns was selected to have the one VC for the Marines on that occasion. The Colonel said, "Well, boys, there's only one, but you all deserve one each." The men called out, "Take it yourself, Colonel, for you saved all our lives when you ordered us to lie down." "No, no, lads, it's for one of you; which shall it be? Prettyjohns or Jordan?" So they said it should be Prettyjohns. "Then I shall recommend Jordan for the Medal and £20 per annum, for he is in his 21st year of service," said the Colonel.

The following morning we went into the trenches, as usual, on short rations and water; about 11:30 my section received a visit from one of the 'hen and chickens,' which squatted down close to us, so we lay down flat on the ground, when up she popped, throwing up an immense quantity of earth, and scattering her fire brood about the place. I was jumped and buried in earth; my memory became a blank until I found myself about half-way to Balaklava, in a waggon which was going to fetch ammunition.

Memories of an Old Soldier (Globe and Laurel, 1904).

The portrait photo shows Sgt. Turner is wearing four medals.  One is a meritorious conduct medal, probably given when he left the army. His Crimea medal simply says William Turner, RM. on the back.

This photo was annotated by Sgt. Turner indicating it was taken on Empire Day; William Turner is the man at the gun, collecting pennies. Unfortunately the year isn’t noted