No.1489, Driver, Reginald BURTON
Aged 18
no medals or gratuity
3rd/4th East Anglian Brigade, Royal Field Artillery
Died after Accident on Wednesday, 29th September 1915
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Reginald Thayer BURTON was born in Haverhill (Risbridge Q4-1896 4A:756), son of George and Kate BURTON (née RASH).
His father was the son of Walter Burton a silk weaver of 3 Down's Place, Haverhill and Sarah Ann (née RADFORD), both Haverhill born. His father married Kate in Haverhill in 1890, she was the daughter of Walter (1843-1920), a sewing machine mechanic, and Elizabeth "Betsey" RASH(née IVES) (1840-1911). 1901 census...Aged 4, he was at 15 Withersfield Road, Haverhill with his father George BURTON [33] cloth cutter; his mother Kate [32]; brother George W [9] and sister Ella E [8 months]. All were born in Haverhill. 1911 census...Aged 14, a grocer's assistant he was still at 15 Withersfield Road with his parents (father now a life insurance agent); brother George W was a brewer's labourer but now unemployed; sister Ella was still at school. His mother had born 6 children but sadly lost 3 of them |
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He enlisted in Haverhill on 23rd July 1915, giving his address as 15 Withersfield Road, Haverhill, next of kin, father George BURTON of 15
Withersfield Road, Haverhill. He gave his age as 18 years 10 months, was 5 feet 4.5 inches tall, chest 32" to 34".
He died at High Wycombe, after being thrown from a horse. Serving less than 6 months he was not entitled to a war gratuity, and no overseas service meant no medals. The South Bucks Free Press, and the High Wycombe,Maidenhead and Marlow Journal reported the following: "A shocking fatality to a young soldier attached to the RFA Training School at High Wycombe occurred at 10.40 on Wednesday morning, the victim being 1489 Driver Reginald Burton of 3/4 East Anglian Brigade, whose home is 15 Withersfield Road. It appears that Reginald was out exercising a sick horse on the West End Recreation Ground. Reginald who took great pride in the animal, purchased a pennyworth of apples, which the horse ate. He afterwards obtained some pears for himself and whilst walking along eating the pears he tied the end of the head halter round his wrist. Without the least warning the horse bolted dragging the poor fellow along the ground for a distance of about 100 yards. The animal kicked out viciously and although attempts were made to check its career, it was not brought to a standstill until Reginald had been fatally injured. Everything possible was done for him but death ensued almost immediately from a fractured skull. The death of the young soldier who was only 18 years and 11 months, was greatly felt by his officers and comrades with whom he was very popular." Reggie was brought home from High Wycombe by train and was buried in Haverhill Cemetery on 4th October 1915, the Reverend SalusburyJones, from the West End Congregational Church where he had attended, officiating. brbr>
and has a plaque in the Congregational Church. click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
