Donald Kenton TURTON

Donald (Don) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Engineers Platoon, Headquarters Group.

On 8 May 1942, he took command of the newly formed “D” Platoon, which comprise his Engineers and the trained Koepang men.

He was promoted to Temporary Captain on 4 Jul 1942 and Captain on 1 Sept 1942.

He was Mentioned in Despatches (MID), for Gallant and Distinguished Service, London Gazette, 25 May 1943 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No 119-3 Jun 1943. These are the two Gazettes for the Timor Campaign.

After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942.

After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Captain, the Second in Command of the unit and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Captain, the Second in Command of the unit.

Don enplaned to Australia on 29 Apr 1945 and was appointed Officer Commanding, 1st Commando Training Squadron. He was promoted to Major on 23 May 1945

He was discharged on 4 Dec 1945.

Don was made a Life member of the Association in 1966.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below, with an MID emblem on his War Medal.