Lives of the First World War

known 31st March 1917

FELL FROM HIS WAGON – ASC DRIVER KILLED IN FRANCE Mr Peter Burgess, 11 Jackson St, Macclesfield, has been informed that his son, Driver Frank Burgess, of the Army Service Corps, was accidentally killed in France on March 19th. The sad tidings were contained in a letter from Captain Everard Jones, the deceased soldier’s officer: “…your son, 3697 Driver Frank Burgess, ASC … was accidentally killed whilst on duty on the 19th March by falling off his wagon. He suffered no pain and did not regain consciousness. He was buried with full military honours… was an excellent soldier… a great favourite with his comrades…” Born in Macclesfield 24 years ago, Driver Burgess was educated at St George’s Day School… He enlisted in September 1914, being at that time employed as a carter by Messrs Gorton and Wilson. He trained three weeks at Aldershot, and seven days later was drafted to France. Driver Burgess took part in the retreat from Mons and… had several narrow escapes, and went into hospital in consequence of being kicked by a horse. The deceased was home on furlough in February 1916 and his parents received a letter dated the day before his death in which he stated that he expected to be home on leave during the following week. He has two brothers in the Army, one of whom was recently recommended for a commission and is now attached to an officers’ cadet battalion at Kinmel Park, North Wales. The other brother, Corpl Harold, ASC, has been serving in France for the past fourteen months.

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