Huthwaite WW One Memorial

Harry Burton

Private 775991 - Canadian Infantry
(Eastern Ontario Regiment) 21st. Bn.

Enlisted: Ontario Canada 18th March 1916

Killed in Action 21 April 1917 France : Aged 22

Vimy Memorial

Huthwaite Online WW1 Remembrance

Private 775991 Harry Burton was born 27th February and baptised 18th April 1895 in Ripley, Derbyshire. Parents 1879 marriage between coal miner Mr James Burton from Nottingham and Miss Mary Ann Sellars from Hucknall Huthwaite gained a house Top End Common Road. Birth of three sons however, additionally names James 1885 and Valentine 1889 at the 1891 Ripley family home, headed by Chimney Sweep Mr James Burton before Belper District registered that fathers Q2 1900 death aged 51.

Harry Buxton appears in 1901 Hucknall-under-Huthwaite census, where a widowed Mrs Mary Ann Burton 45, took lodgings back at 3 Common Road left mothering James 16 and Harry 6. Both sons started coal mining New Hucknall Colliery. Mothers 1905 remarriage to Mr James Hough Wild identifies stepfather working on the railways heading 1911 Sellars Cottage, Common Road address as Mr James H Wild 39, wife Mrs Mary Ann Wild 51, keeping Harry 16, employed underground as Pony Driver. Mr Harry Burton was about 19 when following his brother James abroad seeking better lives as Farm Labourers in Ontario, Canada.

Private Harry Burton signed his attestation at Brampton Ontario on 18th March 1916, claiming current address at Hammertown, Post Office, York County. Joining 126th Overseas Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force described 21 year old Farm Labourer, of fair complexion with grey eyes and brown hair, measuring 5 foot 8½ height and 36 inch chest, of Methodist denomination.

Pte 775991 Harry Burton was shipped out to France with the 126th on 14th August 1916, apparently given leave enroute to visit mother in England. December posting into the 21st Battalion Ontario Regiment afforded Canadian Infantry remembrance after being killed in action 21st April 1917, aged 22.   Harry Burton was given additional Roll of Honour on the Huthwaite Methodist Church plaque. Mother was named next of kin at last known address 3 Nottingham Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Notts Free Press – 1st June 1917

PRIVATE H. BURTON, HUTHWAITE

Private Harry Burton, 775991, who left 3, Common Road, Huthwaite some time ago for Canada, was killed in action on April 21st. The deceased, who was 22 years of age enlisted with the 21st. Canadians, and on his way to France called to see his mother, now living at 3, Nottingham Road, Alfreton. Absence of regular news caused enquiries to be made, and a report was received to the effect that he was killed in action on April 21st. This news was received by the Canadian Red Cross Society on May 14th., and no further information is yet to hand. Private Burton worked at New Hucknall Colliery until about 19 years of age when he proceeded to Ontario to join his brother James at farming. The latter is now a soldier at home (Canadian) service.

Notts Free Press – 29th June 1917
(Summary)

A memorial service was held to L/cpl E. Bower (N. Staffs) L/cpl A. Weston (KRR) and Privates George Stubbins (Sherwood Foresters) H. Burton and T. Phillips (both Canadian contingents) - Phillips was missing 12 months before he was reported as killed. - Burton had been confirmed in the Parish Church and attended its Sunday school before going out to Canada. Weston commenced his teaching career at Church Schools, and his love for his country was handed down unsullied from his forefathers. He was a promising youth. Bower- the Vicar remarked on the hardship of a young widow – the only married one of the five – and also the deep affection which had always existed between him and his grandparents.