Photo: Geordie at War Project
E. Burnell
Durham Light Infantry
16th December 1917 age 18
Beloved son of
Thomas and Mary Burnell
Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:
Edward was born at Durham on 6 June 1899. He was the son of Thomas Simpson Burnell and Mary Ann (nee Welsh). Thomas was a paper cutter in a print works. On the 1911 census the family, including his brothers Thomas and Harold, were living with their parents at 348 St Cuthbert's Road Gateshead.
Edward became an apprentice motor mechanic with Stanley Steam Car Company located in Sunderland Road.
Edward signed his attestation papers for the Territorial Force (D.L.I.) in Durham on 10 March 1914. He signed for 4 years. He was only 14 years 3 months at the time although he declared he was 16 years old. He signed for embodied service which meant he could be called up for potential active service. He is recorded as being a boy bugler.
As he was under 17 years old he was discharged from service 28 April 1916 at Clacton on Sea after having served 2 years 46 days.
On discharge his superior officer reported Edward as being ‘honest, sober industrious & clean’.
The circumstances of his death are not known. He appears to have rejoined the army when he became of age. He died 16th December 1917 aged 18 years.
Edward Burnell is not found on any Gateshead memorial.
