Letter to IWM from Thomas' father, in response to an appeal for photographs in the Daily Express, 17th July 1918

Letter to IWM from Thomas' father, in response to an appeal for photographs in the Daily Express, 17th July 1918

17th July 1918

... I send the following particulars and photograph of my son, Thomas Harold Burton 1649 - 178 Brigade Royal Field Artillery, C Battery, B Subsection - who was born on the 14th July 1895 at Nottingham. He was educated at Southwark Street Council School, Basford, after which he became a Farm Merchant's Assistant. At the call of his Country's need in the Great War, he volunteered in the RFA and was made a gunner. After about 9 month's training at Deep Cut, Hants he was sent to France on the 5th June 1916. During his leave home in November 1917 he marked on our Daily Mail map many places where he had stayed being 7 months during the time at Nœux-les-Mines. He had several narrow escapes during the falling back from Cambrai, about October of 1917, after this leave was again allowed him on 24th February 1918. Returning to France on 6th March, and after a short rest, his battery went forward and came into action during the great German push, commencing on 21st March 1918, and whilst acting as Runner, his left leg was shattered and he would have been left behind to fall into the hands of the enemy, who were advancing rapidly, had not 2 of his comrades volunteered to fetch him at great risk. But after a few hours, owing to shock and loss, he succumbed on the morning of the 25th March 1918 and was buried in a British Cemetery at Bac du Sud, 8 1/4 SSW of Arras, his comrades making a special cross for him. Such is the brief history of T H Burton - one of the best of God Fearing Sons a Father and Mother could have. Our loss is irreparable and he was our only son. Such is the Supreme Price we are compelled to pay for this Terrible War. Yours Truly, his Father and Mother

Created by: , Charlotte33

  • Profile picture for Thomas Harold Burton

    Born 1895

    Died 1918

    British Army L/1649 Gunner Royal Field Artillery 178 Brigade