The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison

L/Cpl. Henry Wilmer Burnett (241186) 4th Seaforth Highlanders, age 28, is listed on the Crossmichael War Memorials (Civic + Village Hall + Church)
Died 23 November 1917. Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

But I cannot make any connection to Crossmichael and I need some fresh eyes, please.
His father, Rev. Lawson Burnett, was the minister of Donaghmore Presbyterian Church, Co. Down and there is a plaque to Henry in the church. It seems Henry was born and brought up there, and worked in the Provincial Bank in Coleraine. The battalion, regiment, dates and place of death all line-up.

The index to his MIC at N.Archives shows two service numbers - 4547 and 241186 - both Seaforths. Does that indicate a "Regular" or early enlistment???
I've scanned local newspapers without success.
Help Sad

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Ken

dhubthaigh · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:00 am Post subject:

SDGW gives - enlisted Belfast, Co. Antrim. No pob or residence stated.

Adam Brown · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:15 am Post subject:

Ken

His numbers show a pre-1916 Territorial number and a post 1916 Seaforths Territorial number.

Quite a few Belfast men joined the 5th Seaforths in late 1914 early 1915. It may be that this man was originally in the 3/5th Seaforths and ended up in 1/4th Seaforths where he died. There was a lot of movement between the three Seaforth TF battalions because they all had the same reserve battalion and all three served in 51st Highland Division.

That still doesn't explain why he is listed at Crossmichael. Is it definitely the same man?

Thanks

Adam

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 11:10 am Post subject:

Adam
I think it is the same man, but......
The WM has L-Corpl. Henry W Burnett, Seaforth Hrs.
The RoH in Crossmichael church has Lance C. Henry Wilmer Burnett, Seaforth Hrs. France. November 1917.

The plaque in Donagmore states Henry Wilmer Burnett, 4th Seaforth Highlanders ....fell in action at the battle of Cambrai 20th to 23rd November 1917.
and the family gravstone has the same detail, so the CWGC entry is in agreement with these - but is it the same man at Crossmichael?????
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Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 10:28 am Post subject:

I've just been sent the following extract from The Newry Reporter 13 March 1919.

The Rev. Lawson Burnett, senior minister of the Donaghmore Presbyterian Church near Newry, and Mrs. Burnett were made recipients of tangible tokens of the esteem of the parishioners of the Crossmichael Established Free Church of Ireland upon the occasion of their departure from the parish consequent upon the return, with his bride, of the Rev. James A. Fisher, M.A. (son of the late Joseph Fisher, J.P. Newry) who served in France with the King's Own Scottish Borderers during the war.

Rev. Burnett had come out of retirement to take over the parish for "a few months" which turned into just over three years.
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Ken

Stewartry · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 274 Location: nr Nottingham

Hi Ken,

I hadn't previously noticed your query.

He is named in the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser, 18 February 1916, as replying with thanks to the Crossmichael Parish Work Party for a gift of a parcel. He is referred to as 'Corpl. Harry Burnett, Seaforth Highlanders'.

Stuart
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