BURTON, John

Sergt. John Burton

Sergeant, 14th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 16282
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 25

Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

John Burton was born 6th February 1890 at 8 Cooke Street, Ormeau Road, Belfast. His parents were John Burton, a warehouseman, and his wife Agnes Amelia Burton nee Curry and was the second of their five children.

In 1901 the family had moved to Haypark Avenue and by 1911, with John's father having gained a positon as Manager, had moved to Marlborough Park in south Belfast. At this time John was working as an Embroidery Designer.

Joining the 14th Battalion (YCV) of the Royal Irish Rifles, John gained the rank of Sergeant.

He took part in the opening battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916, and on the 29th July 1916 the Northern Whig reported that: "Mr John Burton, Cranmore Park, Lisburn Road, has been notified that his son, Sergeant Burton, Y.C.V., was wounded on 1st July."

However, John was subsequently reported as missing, presumed killed on that date.

Portrait photo Imperial War Museum