Harry Burton

Both Harry and his brother James enlisted in the Canadian Infantry. Harry served in the 21st Battalion Eastern Ontario Regiment. Harry was killed in action on 21 April 1917. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy (Canadian) Memorial, France.

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.' Mansfield Reporter, 29 June 1917: ‘Huthwaite Memorial Service. Five Local Heroes Honoured. At the Parish Church on Sunday morning a beautiful and impressive memorial service was conducted to the memory of five local men who have made the supreme sacrifice. Their names are: Lance-Corporals E Hower [Bower], (N/Staffs), A Weston (KRR), and Ptes Geo. Stubbins (Sherwood Foresters), H. Burton and T Phillips (both of the Canadian Contingents). Particulars of their lives have separately appeared in these columns during the last few weeks. At the service, which was conducted by the Rev. FN Beswick, every possible mark of affection and respect was shown to the memory of the departed heroes … The Union Jack was at half mast on the church tower throughout the day. There was a numerous gathering of mourners, but the general public was poorly represented, a downpour of rain probably militating against a large congregation. As the choir proceeded to their places, the organist, Mr JP Morley, played a brief funeral voluntary improvised by himself and the two special Psalms were the 39th and the 130th, and appropriate lessons. Stainer’s familiar anthem, ‘What are these arrayed in white robe?’ was chosen … The two hymns were ‘Lord as to Thy dear Cross we flee’ and ‘For all the Saints who from their labours rest.’ The text was ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’ and the rev. gentleman delivered a touching, but compelling sermon, remarking that the words were especially appropriate at this time … The names of all from the parish who have fallen in the war were read out, and the service ended with the Dead March from Saul, and Beethoven’s Funeral March.; (www.britishnewspaperarcive.co.uk)