Chester-le-Street Chronicle 02/07/1915

Letter from Chester-le-Street Chronicle 2/07/1915

Menin Gate Memorial

Michael Bussey was born at Atkinson's Buildings in Birtley on the 17th September 1894. Michael was baptised on the 10th October at Birtley St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.

His mother was Esther Bussey, a housekeeper. Esther died in 1902 and the young Michael lived with other members of his family at 5 Atkinson’s Buildings, Birtley. He enlisted in the 1/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry.

Michael married Rose Morgan on the 21st November 1914.

Michael was killed in action on the 24th May 1915, aged just 20. Mary Bussey was born on the 15th September 1915, almost four months after her father was killed. Mary was also baptised at St. Joseph's Church, on the 19th September 1915.

Rose Bussey received a letter from a Corporal W. Hall describing Michael's "Glorious Death".

The letter reads:-

I deeply regret to inform you of the death in action. of your husband, Michael. He died a glorious death, fighting for his King and Country. Billy Levers and myself buried him at night, and marked the place with a simple wooden cross, with the words. In loving memory, Pte M. Bussey. 8th D.L.I. killed in action, May 24th, 1915. R.I.P. The grave was in a corner of a garden on the East of Ypres. His late companions feel for you as they have lost a good comrade and one who was ever ready to help a pal, in the midst of danger, and all join together in sympathising with you in your bereavement. - Yours sincerely, 236 Corpl, W. W. Hall.

Research: Jean Atkinson/James Pasby

He is remembered at Birtley on B127.01, B127.09 (spelt Bussy) and B127.13

The CWGC entry for Private Bussey