World War 1 Medical Staff – Adelaide Hospital
Dr. Charles Trevor Turner worked at the Adelaide Hospital as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in 1915. In March 1916 he enlisted in the First Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force (AIF). His actions were documented and he was awarded with the Military Cross on 7th March 1917. The document citation for the Military Cross, held in the Australian War Memorial, reads in part:
At Pozieres, France, on 23rd July 1916, Captain Turner formed his Dressing station near Battn. Headquarters in Sunken Road Valley, at commencement of operations against Pozieres.
The shell fire was so severe that the Battn. Headquarters were transferred to Contalmaison. Capt. Turner, however, finding he was doing most useful work, remained there during the whole operation (battle) in a hastily constructed dugout. He was thus able to attend to the many wounded men who made their way or were carried down the valley.
It is stated he treated over 300 cases and did special eye work.
Military cross
He was issued with the 1914-5 Star, the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Captain C. T. Turner, British War Medal, 1914-18
Captain C. T. Turner, British War Medal, 1914-18
Captain C. T. Turner, British Victory Medal 1914-19
On return to Australia in 1919, Dr Turner became Medical Superintendent of the Adelaide Hospital . It is generally accepted that Dr Turner gave the earliest blood transfusion in the hospital, in the mid-1920’s, using a 20ml syringe with a two way stopcock. From 1925 – 1929 he was Acting Honorary Assistant Gynaecologist at the Adelaide Hospital, followed by Honorary Assistant Surgeon from 1930 – 1934.
During World War II, Dr Turner enlisted once again and commenced his service for the AIF from 1941 – 44.
