Name
Wilfred Burton
1893
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/02/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
36264
Princess Charlotte of Wales’ (Royal Berkshire) Regiment
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT
VIII. C. 22.
France
Headstone Inscription
Wilfred has no Inscription on his Headstone
UK & Other Memorials
St Ippolyts Village Memorial,
Roll of Honour, St Ippolyts Church,
We are not aware of any memorial in Gosmore
Pre War
Wilfred Burton was born in 1893 in Gosmore, Herts. The son of Wilfred and Mary Jane Burton. He started school on the 6th May 1897, at St Ippolyts National School.
The 1901 Census shows Wilfred aged 8; living with his parents, and 3-year-old brother Arthur, in Water Dell, Gosmore, St Ippolyts, Herts.
The 1911 Census shows Wilfred aged 18, living with his parents, two brothers Arthur and Edwin, in Waterdell Lane, Gosmore, Hitchin, Herts. His occupation is given as a Nursery Gardener.
Before joining up he was employed by Messrs T. W. & P. Franklin, coal merchants, the Hertfordshire Express mentions on the 10th of March 1917.
Wilfred was engaged to be married to Miss E. M. Clark of Taylor's Hill, Hitchin.
Wartime Service
Wilfred enlisted in Hitchin, initially with the 1st Battalion, Hertfordshire Regiment, with the service number 5815. Later transferred to the 6th Battalion, Princess Charlotte of Wale’s (Royal Berkshire Regiment). With the service number 36264. Wilfred was Killed in Action on the 17th February 1917.
The Battalion War Diaries show the Battalion was on the front line on the 17th February 1917.
The Hertfordshire Express reports that his mother received a letter from Sergeant P. W. Green of the same platoon in which he writes that Wilfred was a good, willing and respected soldier who was liked by his comrades and that he will be missed. The platoon joined with him in sending expressions of sympathy.
Additional Information
The value of his effects were £4-0s-3d, Pay Owing and £5, War War Gratuity which went to his father Wilfred.
His mother was awarded a Dependants Pension of 3/6 a week from 4th September 1917.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne, Derry Warners
Stuart Osborne
