Rushden Echo Friday June 11th 1915
Rushden Soldier Killed - Private Herbert F. Burton
'Every Inch A Soldier' - 'Going Into the Thick of It'
Another of Rushden's gallant sons has given his life for his King and country.
Mr. and Mrs. George Burton, of Rushden, on Friday last received an official notification from the War Office that their younger son, Private Herbert F. Burton, of the 1st Northants, was killed in action on May 9th. His parents, prior to the receipt of the sad news, had had fears for his safety, as since the battle of May 9th they have received no letters from him, although up to that time he used to write to them regularly.
The late Private Burton, who was born in Rushden, was 37 years of age. By trade he was a boot operative and worked for Mr. C. W. Horrell, but for 12 months prior to his enlistment he had very indifferent health, and it was a great surprise to his relatives when on August 24th he succeeded in passing for his Majesty's forces. He developed into a first-class marksman, and in consequence was soon drafted to D Company, and was sent to the front in November. Whilst at the front he was on two or three occasions sent into hospital through minor ailments, but on each occasion made a good recovery and was sent back to the trenches. In the last letter he sent to his brother under date May 8th he said, "Good-bye, old chap, we are just going into the thick of it", so it looks as if he had some premonition of what was to be.
Since receiving the sad news from the War Office, the late Private Burton's brother wrote to the Quartermaster-Sergt. of D Company, asking for particulars of his brother's death, and the following reply came to hand yesterday morning:— "With reference to your letter dated June 2nd I regret to state that 10296, Pte. H. Burton, was reported killed in action on May 9th. As Quartermaster-Sergt. of his Company I knew him well. I can assure you that the Company has sustained a great loss, as he was every inch a soldier and well respected by all who knew him. I ask you, on behalf of his Company, to accept our deepest sympathy in your great loss, and I trust that God will give you the strength to bear your trouble bravely. Believe me to remain, Yours sincerely, F. S. Webb"
Mr. and Mrs. Burton, who have lived 30 years in Rushden, are well-known and respected in the town and have received many expressions of sympathy in their sore bereavement.
