Alfred's Story.
Birkenhead News 04 May 1918BIRKENHEAD WOMAN’S SAD BEREAVEMENT
Sergeant-Observer A. Burton, R.F.C., of 13, Holt Road, Tranmere, Birkenhead, was called up as a Reservist with the Army Service Corps in August, 1914. He went almost straightaway to France, did service later on with the Royal Engineers, and for a portion of the time as a despatch rider. About October of last year he joined the Royal Flying Corps, and soon worked his way up to the non-commissioned rank of sergeant. On March 13th of the present year he married Miss A. Hannah, daughter of Mr. A Hannah, of the address given above, and went back to France on April 4th. On April 27th his wife received the sad intelligence that her young husband – who was in the 22nd squad – met with a fatal accident – presumably whilst flying – on April 22nd. All will tender deep sympathy to the young widow, who has received a letter of condolence from the matron at the hospital where her husband was moved only to expire soon after admission. Mrs. Burton would feel indebted to anyone “out yonder” who could give her information as to the circumstances under which she has been so tragically robbed of her young husband.
The bereaved lady has a brother, Pte. David Hannah, a former St. Michael’s School boy, who joined the 4th Cheshires, in December, 1914, before he was 16 years old. He was an apprentice boilermaker, and after serving 700 days – passing 11 months in Egypt – he was sent back home to his occupation. He remained at work for 12 months, and was called up in November, 1917. He is now serving in France with the Machine Gun Corps.