William BURGESS

14 July 1916

BURGESS - July 3rd, killed in action in France, Pte. William Burgess, of the 1/6th West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Burgess, 18 George Street, Skipton, aged 24 years.

14 July 1916

A KEEN AND CHEERFUL SOLDIER - PTE. WM. BURGESS OF SKIPTON KILLED BY A PIECE OF SHELL

We also regret to say that on Sunday news was received of the death in action of Private William Burgess, of the 1st 6th West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Burgess, of 18, George Street, Skipton.

In a letter to the parents, Captain Hugh Dixon says:- "It is with deep regret that I have to write and inform you of the death of your son, Pte. Wm. Burgess, who was killed by a piece of shell early on Monday morning, July 3rd. He was a cheerful soldier and always keen on his work. We shall miss him in the Company very much. Along with the officers of 'A' Company I join in expressing our deepest sympathy in your loss."

Formerly employed as a card lacer at Messrs. Wilkinson's, Park Shed, deceased enlisted soon after the outbreak of war, and went to the Front in April, 1915.

Deceased, it is interesting to add, was educated at the Parish Church School under Mr. Alfred Hartley, and was afterwards connected with the Church Institute and other Church Societies.

14 July 1916

A HOT TIME

Another Skipton soldier, Pte. George Hoyles, of the 1/6th West Riding Regiment, was also in at the beginning of the great push, and was wounded at the bottom of the back. In a letter to his wife, who resides at 37, Duckett Street, he mentions that he is in a convalescent camp at Boulogne, and adds:- "I have had a hot time this week. You will very likely have heard that I have been wounded; but don't be alarmed, it is only slight, although I have been lucky to come out alive. I was buried twice on Sunday night, (July 2nd) and got a slight shrapnel wound in the back on Tuesday. I am expecting to go back to the line in a day or two, so you will see that I am not at all bad. I was close to Burgess when he got killed. The same shell buried Fred Hudson and myself, so I was lucky to get off with that. Fred and myself were together on Tuesday night when we both got hit. Fred got it bad and I expect he will be in England soon. I saw J. Bennett - he passed me as he was coming out of the trenches and we were going in. He was all right then. It's a bad job about my brother Ernest. I should have liked to have met him, but it seemed it had not to be. Don't trouble about me, I am well looked after."

14 July 1916

SKIPTON SOLDIERS WOUNDED

Another Skipton territorial who was wounded last week is Pte. David Russell, of the 1st 6th West Riding Regiment, whose wife lives at 20, Sheep Street. In a letter to the latter, Pte. Russell says:- "I have been wounded slightly behind the ear. Don't worry, as I am all right. No doubt you will have heard that we have been up against it this week, and that W. Burgess, out of Middletown, was killed. I am in hospital at Rouen. I shall not get to 'Blighty' this time, as I am not bad enough. Both S. Hudson and M. Chapman, Skipton soldiers, were in at the advance, and John Drake was standing by me when I got tapped."

23 March 1917

SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR - PTE. LAURENCE WESTERN

We regret to record the death on the field of battle of another fine young Skipton soldier - Pte. Laurence Western, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Western, 28, Gladstone Street, Skipton. Anxiety as to his fate had been felt by the family for a few days owing to reports which had been circulated, and the worst fears were confirmed during the weekend by the following letter dated March 13th, from Captain H. Dixon, of the West Riding Regiment:-

"Dear Mrs. Western, - It is with much regret that I have to write and tell you that your son, Pte. L. Western, was killed yesterday morning, whilst on duty in the trenches about 8 a.m., by a rifle bullet. I feel the loss of such a soldier very much. He has been most consistent in carrying out his duty ever since we first come out to France. I can only hope that the fact that your son died at his post carrying out his duty nobly may be of some consolation to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy."

Twenty-two years of age, Pte. Western in civil life was employed in the grocery department of the Skipton Co-operative Society. He enlisted during the month following the outbreak of the war, and went out to France in April, 1915. He had seen much fighting, but up to the shot which took his life he had come through unscathed, although he had had many narrow escapes. On one occasion, for instance, a bullet passed through his waistcoat without doing any serious damage. He had been on duty for some time as a Lewis gunner. In his last letter home, dated March 5th, he mentioned that his regiment had been on the move for a few days, and that they were temporarily short of food.

Deceased was a member of the Parish Church Institute and was also a member of the Handbell Ringers' Association connected with the Parish Church. Six members of this Association have been on active service -W. Burgess, Albert Coates, F. Billows, Sydney Carter, Laurence Western and J. Chew; and three of them - Burgess, Carter and Western - we are sorry to say, have paid the supreme sacrifice, while Chew has been wounded.

Mr. and Mrs. Western have another son at the Front - Pte. Wm. Western, with the R.A.M.C.; while two sons-in-law, Corpl. J. Bracewell and Pte. H. Garton, are also in the Army.

The parents have also received the following letter from Mr. James Foulds, the manager of the Skipton Co-operative Society:- "Allow me to tender you on behalf of the Society and myself our deepest sympathy with you and your family in your bereavement and sorrow in the loss of your son Laurence, who has so nobly laid down his life for the benefit of others and his county. As an employee he was one of the best, and during the whole of his employment with the Society I never remember having had occasion to say a wrong word to him. He was always cheerful and conscientious in doing his duty. Knowing this, I hope it will help you to bear the serious loss you have sustained."

06 July 1917

BURGESS - In loving memory of Private William Burgess, 1/6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, killed in action July 3rd, 1916.

In health and strength he left his home,
Not thinking death so near;
Death came without a warning given,
And bade him meet his God in Heaven.

No loved one stood beside him
To hear his last farewell,
No words of comfort could he have
From those who loved him well.

Ever remembered by his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers (at Home and Abroad) and Nellie.

BURGESS - In ever loving memory of Pte. Burgess, who fell in action July 3rd 1916.

Sleep on, dear cousin, in a soldier's grave,
Your life for your country you nobly gave;
No loved one near to say good-bye,
But in God's keeping now safe you lie.

Ever remembered by his Aunt and Cousins, 65, Newmarket Street, Skipton.

05 July 1918

BURGESS - In loving memory of our dear son, Private W. Burgess, who was killed in action, July 3rd, 1916.

Sweet are the memories that never will fade.

From Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters at home and abroad. 18, George Street, Skipton.

BURGESS - In loving memory of Private W. Burgess, who was killed in action July 3rd, 1916.

Forget him, no, we never will;
We loved him then, we love him still.

From his Aunt and Cousins, 65, Newmarket Street, Skipton

04 July 1919

BURGESS - In loving memory of Private W. Burgess, 1/6th Duke of Wellington's, who was killed in action, July 3rd, 1916.

Take him in Thy loving arms, oh Lord,
And let him be
A messenger of love between
Our aching hearts and Thee.

From Father, Brothers and Sisters, 18 George Street, Skipton.

BURGESS - In ever loving memory of Private W. Burgess, 1/6th Duke of Wellington's, who was killed in action, July 3rd, 1916.

Time has not changed our thoughts of you,
Sweet memories linger still;
Though others may forget you, dear,
There are those who never will.

From his loving Aunt and Cousins, 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.

02 July 1920

BURGESS - In loving memory of Pte. W. Burgess, 1/6th Duke of Wellington's, killed in action July 3rd, 1916.

Sweet are the memories that never fade,
Of one we love but could not save.

From his loving Father, Brothers and Sisters, 18 George Street, Skipton.

09 July 1920

BURGESS – In ever loving memory of Private W. Burgess, 1st Duke of Wellington’s (W.R.) Regiment, killed in action July 3rd, 1916.

“Ever remembered.”

From Aunt and Cousins, 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.

BRIGGS and BURGESS - In loving memory of our dear chums, Corporal Ted Briggs, and Private Willie Burgess, of the 1st 6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who gave their lives on the Somme, July 3rd, 1916.

Years may wipe out many things,
But this they wipe out never;
Memories of the good old times
When we were all chums together.

From Jimmie, Charlie, Dick and Arthur

08 July 1921

BURGESS - In loving memory of Pte. W. Burgess, who was killed in action, July 3rd, 1916.

To forget is a vain endeavour,
Love and remembrance live for ever.

From his loving Father, Brothers and Sisters, 18 George Street, Skipton.

BURGESS - In ever loving memory of Pte. W. Burgess, killed in action, July 3rd, 1916.

Ever remembered by all at 65 Newmarket Street, Skipton.