Name
David Burrage
10 Nov 1878
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
26/10/1917
38
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
295318
London Regiment *1
2nd/4th (City of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 148 to 150.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour, St Michael and All Angels Church Memorial, Watford, Derby Road Baptist Church Memorial, Watford, Not on the Bedmond memorial
Pre War
David was born 10 November 1878 in Bedmond, Herts, to John Burrage, a labourer, and Maria (nee Hipgrave) and baptised 5 February 1879 at St Lawrence’s, Abbot’s Langley. His parents had married on 5 February 1871 at St Stephen’s, St. Albans. Herts.
On the 1881 Census, aged 2 he lived in Bedmond, with his parents and two siblings, William & John. His father John died 1883 in the Watford district aged 39, and was buried on 18 August at St Lawrence’s. Abbot’s Langley, Herts. David attended Victoria Boys’ School, Watford, from 1 March 1886 to 16 January 1891. On the 1891 Census the widowed Maria and family were living at St John’s Road West, Watford. David was the middle son of 5 brothers. His mother Maria died in 1899 in Watford aged 48, and was buried on 13 December in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford. On the 1901 Census David was living at Loutes Lane, Watford together with his brothers John, Owen and Alfred, all in the Bricklaying trade..
David married Minnie (nee Burrrage) in 1902 in the Watford district; they had one child, Minnie, born 1912. He resided in at 206 Harwood Road, Watford. His widow Minnie never remarried, she died 1947 in Watford aged 70, and was buried 2 October in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford, and was formerly Private 7364 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, and Private 240323 Bedfordshire Regiment. He was transferred to the London Regiment as Private 295318 in the 2/4th Battalion. This Unit was positioned at Ypres for the 2nd Battle of Passchendaele on 26 Oct 1917 (the Opening Day) and was killed action.
Unfortunately, David’s Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Additional Information
There is a brief article about David in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 1 December 1917; a Death announcement in the issue dated 9 March 1918; and an In Memoriam in the issue dated 26 October 1918.
Has a entry in the National Roll of the Great War. His brother William died 26 October 1917 and also features on Watford Borough Roll of Honour.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
