Harrogate Herald - 21st march 1917

Roll of Honour

Information has been received by Mr & Mrs S W Burrell, Lingerfield School House, of the death on his way to hospital of their son, Rifleman George Owen Burrell (27), King's Royal Rifles, on March 12th. He was educated at Harrogate Secondary School, and was subsequently pupil teacher in the Knaresborough Boys' National School. After two years in York Training College he was appointed an assistant master at his old school, where he was engaged at the time of joining the Earl of Feversham's Battalion, and was transferred later to the KRR's. Mr Burrell was highly esteemed by the managers and staff at the National School, and was a very popular teacher with the boys. The news of his death in action caused quite a gloom over the village of Scotton, where his presence was always welcomed. For some time he was lay reader at Scotton Church. He was a pioneer in the village sports, acting as secretary for the cricket club, and always ready and willing to give a helping hand in any and everything tending to the welfare of the township.

Mr & Mrs Burrell have received the following letter, dated March 13th, 1917 : "It is with the most sincere regret that I have to inform you that your son Owen died yesterday as a result of wounds received whilst in the line. Everything possible was done for him at the time, and I had great hopes that he might recover, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries whilst on the way to hospital. His loss will be greatly felt by the section, as at his own special work he was our best man. His cheerful, willing spirit whilst in the line was constantly remarked upon, and was a fine example to the other men. As he was one of the old boys who came out with the section from England we feel his loss all the much more deeply. I hope to be able to attend his funeral this afternoon. It may be some little consolation to you to know that he will be given proper burial by a Church of England chaplain in a little cemetery behind the line. The grave will also be permanently marked with a cross erected by the battalion. In conclusion, may I offer you my truest sympathy in your great loss.

Believe me, very faithfully yours,

Mansfield Brewer,

Sergeant Signalling Section".