Torrington-born war hero served in both world wars

Major Rupert Guy “Tough Tim” Turrall, DSO, MC, was born in Torrington on 27 October 1893 at Churchgate House. 

His father William was a bookseller and printer in the town. After attending Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Crediton, he went on to study engineering at Cambridge University.

During the First World War, Turrall joined the Royal Engineers and rose to the rank of Major, commanding the 99th Field Company. 

He saw action in Gallipoli alongside the New Zealand Division and later served in the Balkans until 1919. 

Twice Mentioned in Despatches, his leadership was recognised early on.

In the years between the wars, Turrall worked as a geophysical surveyor in countries across the world – including Turkey, Palestine, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, Somalia, the USA, Venezuela, Holland, Germany, Kenya and Tanganyika.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Turrall rejoined the Army as a Lieutenant in the Intelligence Corps. 

In 1941, while serving in Sudan with the Sudan Frontier Force, he was awarded the Military Cross after his commander was killed in action beside him.

Turrall was later recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and sent to Crete as part of Force 133, engaging in covert missions behind enemy lines. 

His bravery and resilience in this dangerous role marked the beginning of his most daring work.

In 1945, aged 52, Turrall joined the Chindits – the Anglo-Indian special forces fighting the Japanese in Burma. 

He parachuted into the jungle and operated from February to October that year, coordinating local Burmese insurgents and Allied special forces.

Turrall was twice wounded by grenades during his jungle operations.

Despite the war nearing its end, Turrall was captured while trying to convince Japanese forces that the Emperor had surrendered. 

The Japanese refused to believe the news, and he was taken prisoner before managing to escape and return to his guerrilla unit. 

For his courage and leadership, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Major Turrall died in 1988 at the age of 94. His extraordinary story – from the trenches of Gallipoli to the ju