Lt. Colonel John Hugh Stephenson Turnbull MC*

Gordon Highlanders attached to No.1 Commando initially as a Lieutenant. In 1945 he became Commanding Officer No.1 Commando.

Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa

London Gazette Issue 36180 published on the 21 September 1943. Page 6 of 22
Lieutenant (acting Captain) John Hugh Stephenson
Turnbull (72893), The Gordon Highlanders (attd.
Special Service Troops) (London, N.W.i).

As an Acting Captain attached to No.1 Commando, he took part in the Allied invasion of North Africa, Operation Torch, in 1942. The task of 1 Commando was to turn the enemy's sea flank, cut their communications and force their withdrawal. Within 3 days they were in control of many strategic coastal roads. During one part of the operation, Turnbull was ordered to withdraw his section after a fierce engagement. To do this he had to lead his men, some of whom were wounded, through a curtain of intense fire. Having personally extricated one man and moved him to relative safety, he discovered that another was missing and went back, found him and brought him to cover. More than 20 soldiers were recommended for decorations and Turnbull was awarded the Military Cross.

Bar to the Military Cross in recognition of Gallant and Distinguished service in Burma

London Gazette Issue 37040 published on the 17 April 1945. Page 3 of 6
Major (temporary) John. Hugh Stephenson
TURNBULL, M.C. (72893), The Gordon Highlanders
(attd. Special Service Troops) (London, N.W. i ).

Photo and information from The British Empire website and reproduced here under their terms of use. Copy and paste this link to visit the entry on their website:http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishinfantry/gordonsturnbull.htm

Photo posted and additional information relating to the award of Bar to his MC, and London Gazette references provided by Pete R