The death occurred in June 1978 at the age of eighty-four at his home in Hounslow, of Band Sergeant Walter Robert (Wally ) Turner, late 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars.
Wally enlisted originally in the 19th Hussars and served in the 1914 – 18 War.
When in common with several other Cavalry Regiments the 19th were disbanded he was posted to the 18th Hussars, and on their subsequent disbandment, he was posted to the 8th Hussars, joining the Regiment in Egypt in 1923 serving in York, BAOR, Aldershot and Hounslow.
Whilst in Wiesbaden BAOR, the Mounted Band was reformed and the locals would turn out in their thousands to see Wally in full regalia, leading the Mounted Band on ‘Drummer’.
Wally completed his service in Hounslow on the eve of the Regiment’s departure for Egypt on a second tour.
He settled in Hounslow and was employed in the Barrack Services until his retirement.
Wally could not completely reconcile himself to civilian life and joined the Middlesex Regiment (TA), subsequently being appointed Bandmaster. An accomplished pianist with a pleasing voice, he was in great demand at social gatherings.
However, despite all these activities he continued to serve his Regiment by becoming a Committee Member of the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars Association and then on amalgamation with the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars Association where his knowledge and advice was always appreciated by everyone who served on these Committees.
