William Burton

William was born in 1895 in Basford and was the son of the late George William a hosiery trimmer and Esther Burton née Bolstridge of 85 Wallis Street Old Basford Nottingham. His father George William was born in 1874 in Nottingham, his mother Esther Bolstridge was born in 1875 in Cinderhill, they were married in 1897 William was their only child. His father George William died on 16th January 1904 in Nottingham, he was 29 yrs of age. His mother remarried in 1907 to Francis Burton born 1858 at Nottingham, Francis brought two daughters to the marriage Nellie born 1877 in Basford and Minnie born 1889 in Basford. In the 1911 census the family are living at 85 Wallis Street, Basford and are shown as Francis 53 yrs a hosiery miller, he is living with his wife Esther Burton 36 yrs and their children Nellie 24 yrs a hosiery mender, Minnie 22 yrs a hosiery machinist and William 16 yrs a clerk.

He had worked for Messrs. Simon May, and Company

Rifleman R/2337 William Burton enlisted in Nottingham and served with the 12th battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps. He landed in France on 23rd July 1915 and was wounded in action and brought back to England . He died of his wounds in at the County of London hospital on 27th December 1915. His body was brought back to Nottingham where it was buried with full Military Honours at Basford.

An article from the Nottingham Evening Post dated 1st January 1916 reads;- “MILITARY FUNERAL AT BASFORD. “Rifleman W. Burton, 12th King's Royal Rifles, whose home is at Old Basford, was wounded in action, and died at the County of London Hospital, the mortal remains being brought to Basford and interned there with full military honours this afternoon [1st January 1916]. “The deceased soldier worked for Messrs. Simon May, and Company, and the large attendance at the obsequies was ample testimony of the esteem with which he was regarded. The Robin Hoods provided the party which fired the volleys over the grave, and buglers sounded the “Last Post.” There was a large attendance of the general public.” In memoriam published 27th December 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BURTON. – In loving memory of Rifleman W. Burton, K.R.R., the beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Burton, of 85, Wallis-street, Old Basford, who died of wounds December 27th, 1915, aged 20. Trusting to meet with him again. – From father, mother, and sisters. “BURTON. – In loving memory of Rifleman W. Burton, K.R.R., who died of wounds December 27th, 1915. Ever in our thoughts. – From Kate, Minnie, and Frank.” Above article and in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.