Harrogate Herald - 13th June 1917

Roll of Honour

Official notification has been received that Private George Burgess, eldest son of Thomas Burgess (former Harrogate cricket professional), of 4 Primrose Terrace, Skipton Road, Harrogate, was killed in action on May 29th. He was 27 years of age. Details of this sad occurrence are given in the following letter from the chaplain : 

"Dear Mrs Burgess, I am grieved to have to write to you of the sad news of your son's death. He was killed by shell as he was taking refuge in his billet. The shell came through the roof and exploded on the floor of the billet a few inches from him, and he was killed instantaneously. The funeral took place in a military cemetery in a neighbouring village, particulars of which may be obtained from the Director of Graves Registration, War Office, Winchester House, London, SW. A small cross bearing his name and regiment will be erected over his grave to mark the spot. He was much valued as a good soldier by his officers and as a good companion by his mates. Let us commend him to God's mercy, and pray God to give us courage to bear the heavy burden of sorrow that is ours just now". 

Private Burgess, prior to going to the Front, was a corporal in the West Lancs and was transferred to the Durham Light Infantry. His younger brother Fred Burgess is in the Coldstream Guards and stationed in England, and his youngest brother Tom Burgess, who was wounded in the instep and ankle in February, 1916, in France, has been placed on the reserve, being incapacitated from further active service.