Name
William Francis (J on mem) Burfoot
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/09/1917
27
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
2nd Corporal
546237
Royal Engineers
423rd Field Coy.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Territorial Force War, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY
IX. B. 20.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF LOVED ONES IS NOT TO DIE
UK & Other Memorials
Town Memorial Harpenden, Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Harpenden
Pre War
William Francis was born 1889 in Slough, the elder son of Joseph Burfoot, a painter and decorator, and Rachel (nee Bowman Newman ).
In 1891 the family were living at Prospect Place, Eaton Wick, by 1901 they had moved to Shakespeare Place, Boveney Eton and in 1911 they were at Garibaldi Place Chalvey, Slough. William’s occupation was given as bricklayer.
He married Mary Ann Cox in 1913 and they lived at 3 Roundwood Lane, Harpenden.
Wartime Service
William enlisted for 4 years on 19 Sept 1914 as Sapper 1195 in Territorial Royal Engineers, 516th (1st Reserve) Field Coy. London. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 6 Sep 1915 and second Corporal on 25 Sep 1915. He went to France on 22 Feb 1916 returning to UK on 3 Jul 1916.
He sustained a Shrapnel/Gun shot wound to shoulder in April 1916 and was evacuated through Le Havre to UK, being treated in Manchester. He was posted to 3/1 Res Field Coy c in Oct 16. He again embarked for France and Base Depot RE on 1 April 1917. On 25 Aug 1917 transferred to 423 Field Company.
He was killed in action on the Western Front on 20 September 1917 during the Battle of Paschendale,
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £15 and arrears of £6 5s 9d paid to his widow, Mary Ann also a pension. She requested that William's Medals should be issued to his mother. Younger Brother enlisted in Feb 1917 in Labour Corps, served in France, and was demobilised as a Corporal RASC in 1919.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History
Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk
