William Francis's Story.
William Burt's obituary was printed in the Mid Sussex Times on 10 August 1915:
KILLED: PRIVATE W F BURT - HAYWARDS HEATH
On October 30th, 1914, in the first battle of Ypres, there was killed in action Private William Francis Burt, No 7569, 2nd Batt Royal Sussex Regiment, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W F Burt, of 37 College Road, Haywards Heath. He was 34 years of age, and had seen twelve years' service with his regiment, having been out at Malta and Crete during that period. He was born at Cuckfield. The famiy removed thence to Ardingly and later to Borde Hill, and whilst living there he decided to enlist. He was then in the employ of Mr S Knight, builder.
When war broke out he had just concluded his period of service, and was amongst the first to be called to the defence of the Empire. Private Burt has left a widow and four children, who live at Chester. Mr and Mrs Burt have two other sons serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and another is on a merchant vessel which has been taken over by the Government.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.
When war broke out he had just concluded his period of service, and was amongst the first to be called to the defence of the Empire. Private Burt has left a widow and four children, who live at Chester. Mr and Mrs Burt have two other sons serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment, and another is on a merchant vessel which has been taken over by the Government.
Research by Rosie Rowley, Congleton.