PRIVATE BURNETT.
Private David Hardy Burnett, killed at Gallipoli. was the youngest son of Mrs Burnett and the late James Burnett, of Papakaio. He was 22 years of age (says the North Otago Times). One of three brothers to offer their services, he left New Zealand with the Third Reinforcements, and the last letter received from him was dated July, so that he was probably among the victims of the costly engagement of August 7. -Otago Daily Times, 1/4/1916.
David Burnett was indeed a victim of the "costly engagement." His name is inscribed on the Chunuk Bair memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He has no known grave.
Mrs A. J. Burnett, Wansbeck street, received word last evening that her son, Rifleman G. F. Burnett, was killed in action in France on April 5th. Rifleman Burnett enlisted in May, 1915, and sailed with the Rifle Brigade in August. He saw service in Egypt and in France, and was slightly wounded last June. -Oamaru Mail, 23/4/1918.
George Burnett served with the NZ Rifle Brigade and died at the high point of the German spring offensive. The Germans made a concerted attack, following an intense artillery bombardment which began at 5a.m. and lasted for three hours, including 12 inch shells which made large craters. The enemy guns then lifted from the Brigade's lines and fired behind them to prevent reinforcements moving up. Out of the haze, at 8.30a.m., German soldiers attacked.
Papakaio Cemetery.
No comments:
Post a Comment