Heslop's Local Advertiser
White House Cemetery
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
William Simblet Burnett born during the 2nd quarter (Apr/May/Jun) 1891 at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham was one of 15 children of whom 14 survived, 5 sons and 9 daughters. His father Matthew Burnett native of Windy Nook, Gateshead born in 1868 married Annie Simblet born 1868 at Heworth, Gateshead, during the 3rd quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep) 1887 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Matthew was employed as a steam engine maker-fitter whilst they were living at 27b, Wellington Street, Heworth in 1891, ten years later they had moved to 62, Dempster Place.
William was educated at High Felling Council School and at the age of 20 was employed as a fitter for Clark Chapman Company Victoria Works as were his father and eldest brother Thomas (23), his sister Emily (14) was at home, Matthew (13), Hilda (11), Elizabeth (10), Jenny (8), Earnest (7) and Amelia (6) were scholars, Nelly, Nelson and Elsie aged 4, 3 and 8 months respectively remained at home with their mother.
On the outbreak of war William Simblet Burnett left his employment and enlisted, August 20th 1914 at Felling, assigned as Private12881 to the 10th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry joining the Regiment at Newcastle-upon-Tyne barracks at Fenham. August 22nd 1914, the first 500 recruits left the D.L.I.’s Depot in Newcastle for Woking, Surrey, where they were formed into the 10th (Service) Battalion D.L.I. the first of the Service battalions. Living in tents, initially without khaki uniforms or modern rifles, the new battalion began their training. The battalion was lucky, its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Morant, was Regular Army. Other officers joining the battalion were also experienced soldiers, and the Regimental Sergeant Major, Arthur Noble, had fought in the Boer War with distinction. Whilst undergoing training October 10th 1914 he rose to the rank of Lance Corporal.
In February 1915, the 10th Battalion moved to barracks at Aldershot for final training. May 21st 1915 Private Burnett departed as part of the British Expeditionary Force to France, the 10th Battalion was attached to the 43rd Brigade, 14th (Light) Division. Three weeks later, the battalion was in the front line south of Ypres, where it suffered its first casualties, before being moved into the Ypres salient. In the field he was again promoted to the rank of Corporal, June 5th 1915. At the end of July 1915, the battalion successfully defended smashed trenches south of Hooge still filled with the dead from the previous day. In this fighting, the battalion lost over 170 men killed or wounded and the 14th (Light) Division were the first to be attacked by flamethrowers. August 6th 1915 he was made Serjeant attached to “D” Coy, still with the 10th Battalion. September they were involved in the Second Attack on Bellewaarde Ridge, near Hooge, eventually being forced back towards Zouave and Sanctuary Wood.
Serjeant 12881 William Simblet Burnett Durham Light Infantry was killed in action December 5th 1915 on the Ypres salient and interred at White House Cemetery, St. Jean-Les-Ypres, West Vlaanderen, north east of Ypres, Belgium. He was 24 years old and single.
His next of kin were informed of his death December 10th 1915. His father received all monies due to him and his awards of the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. William had also left a will and under its terms his father was his sole beneficiary receiving the whole of his property and effects. By February 28th 1916 he had also received his son’s personal effects sent to him by the War Office to 18, Thomas Street, Felling, Gateshead, County Durham.
Matthew Burnett died aged 77 years in 1945 registered Durham NE, details of Annie Burnett nee Simblet unknown.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
His death was reported in Heslop's Local Advertiser:
"Sergt. Wm. Simblett Burnett, killed in action in France, Dec. 4th, aged 24 years. Son of Matthew and Annie Burnett, of 18 Thomas Street, Felling."
The same newspaper reports:
"The parents of the late Sergt. Burnett, 18 Thomas Street, have received the following letter from his Captain:
“It is with deep regret that I have to notify you of the death of your son, Sergeant Burnett, who was killed on the night of 4th Dec., 1915.
During the time he served under my command he performed his duties as a con-commissioned officer in a smart and soldier like manner and by his death I have lost one of my best and most promising N.C.Os.
All officers, non-commissioned officers and men beg to tender their heartfelt sympathy to you in this your sand bereavement – his loss is mourned by us all.
Believe me, to remain, your most sincerely
B.G. Bryant, Captain Commanding, D.Coy., 10th D.L.I."
William Simblet Burnett is remembered at Felling on F32.23 and at Gateshead on G39.006
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 327 as S.W. Burnett
