Bert Turner, 196 Squadron, RAF

It is with great sadness and regret that we must advise you of the passing of one of our Honorary Life members, Bert Turner, 196 Squadron, RAF. Bert passed away on the evening of 4th August.

Bert was a regular attendee of the September commemorations travelling with a group of ex-servicemen from Staffordshire.

He always visited the Jonkerbos Cemetery to pay his respects to his ‘skipper’ and tail gunner who were killed during their fateful re-supply mission to Arnhem, when Bert earned his caterpillar club wings.

Originally flying Stirlings with 90 Squadron, Bomber Command, Bert transitioned to 196 with the Stirling in the Paratroop, Glider tug and re-supply role.

Bert took part in D-Day, Operation Dragoon, Operation Market Garden and in between times made many sorties carrying SAS and Polish SOE into Europe.

The photo below was taken at the 70th Anniversary.

Our condolences are with his family. 

May he Rest In Peace.