While best known now for his role in the Lusitania disaster, Turner was an excellent navigator who accomplished several crossings at notable speeds, including Liverpool to New York in 12 days in 1910, and was promoted for his skill despite his unsuitably gruff demeanor around passengers.

He again gained fame for rescuing a 14-year-old boy who had fallen off the Alexandra Dock, and was awarded the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society's Silver Medal.

Turner received the Transport Medal for outstanding service in 1902 when, as Chief Officer of Umbria, he moved troops to South Africa during the Boer War.

Turner received yet another illuminated address from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society upon rescuing half of the crew of the West Point in 1910.

In 1915 A German U-boat sank RMS Lusitania by torpedo, and an Admiralty inquiry brought serious charges against Turner.

[7] In the autumn of 1916, over a year after the sinking of Lusitania, Turner was appointed relieving master of the Cunard Line vessel Ivernia, which The British government had chartered as a troopship.

[9] Alice emigrated with Turner's sons to Australia in 1915, following the Admiralty's inquiry, and subsequently relocated to Canada at an unknown date.