George Robertson Turner

Sir George Robertson Turner (22 October 1855 – 7 April 1941) was an English surgeon and rugby union international who played for the England national rugby union team in 1876. Educated at Uppingham School and St George's Hospital Medical School, he played rugby for St George's Hospital and the United Hospitals before representing England.

Early life and family

Turner was born on 22 October 1855 at Chigwell in Essex. He was the son of George Turner, MRCS, a surgeon who practised in London near Hyde Park Corner, and his wife Hannah (née Buchanan).

He grew up in a medical family and had several siblings. His elder brother, Edward Beadon Turner (1854–1931), also became a surgeon and represented England at rugby union.

Turner was educated at Uppingham School before entering St George's Hospital Medical School in 1873.

Rugby career

While a student Turner played rugby football for St George's Hospital, appearing regularly in inter-hospital matches in London. He also represented the United Hospitals, a representative side drawn from the London teaching hospitals.

In 1876 he was selected for the England side that played the Scotland at The Oval on 6 March 1876. Playing as a forward, he won a single international cap as England defeated Scotland by a goal and a try.

Medical and military career

Turner qualified in medicine in 1877 and was appointed house surgeon at St George's Hospital in 1878.

They had five children:

Edith Isabel Margaret Turner (1883–1960), who married Sydney Spencer Sawyer-Cookson, Judicial Commissioner of British North Borneo. Catherine Mary Turner (born 1884), later appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire. George Frederick Turner (23 March 1886 – ), a lieutenant in the 5th Dragoon Guards who served in France during the First World War. Dorothy Hannah Turner (born 1889), who married George Arthur Ewart in 1914. Edward Percy Turner (7 July 1890 – 1917), a captain in the Royal Field Artillery who was killed in action during the First World War.

By 1911, Turner was living in Radlett, Hertfordshire, with his wife and daughters Catherine and Dorothy.

He died at his home at Flat 10, 37 Adelaide Terrace, Hove, on 7 April 1941.