William Arthur BURTON
Per his military service record (Depot), William Arthur Burton was born at Marrickville, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 21 years and 7 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weight 129 lbs, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed his mother, Mrs B. Burton, 68 Enmore Road, Marrickville N.S.W.
He signed his attestation paper with the date 31st October 1915, the day the Coo-ees rested at Wallerawang, before they marched to Lithgow on 1st November 1915. He completed his medical examination, and was attested by Captain Eade, at Lithgow on 2nd November 1915.
He claimed to have one month ‘s previous military experience with the A.I.F. but was discharged with pneumonia. However a separate earlier service record (regimental no. 2122) shows that he completed a medical examination at Sydney on 22nd May 1915, and was attested at Liverpool on 30th May 1915, but was discharged after 15 days service with reason for discharge ‘own request – under age’ on 12th June 1915.[2]
After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp with the Coo-ee Detachment.
A letter in his service record written by his mother Mrs Barbara Burton requesting his discharge dated 17th November 1915 stated that: “My son has joined the Gilgandra contingent at Wallerawang, where he was working, without my consent as he is only seventeen (17) years of age last April. I object to him joining as he is one of my main supports and I am a widow. Trusting you will send him home”. [3]
On 22nd November 1915 Private Burton was charged with being absent without leave on 21st November 1915. He was fined one days pay.
Private Burton signed a Statutory Declaration on 23rd November 1915 stating that “I am only 17 years of age … having been born … on the thirteenth day of April … one thousand eight hundred and ninety eight”.[4]
He was discharged from Liverpool Camp parents request, being underage, on 25th November 1915.
[1] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW
[2] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT 2122 : POB Enmore NSW : POE Liverpool NSW
[3] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW, , letter to Colonel Kirkland, Commanding Officer, Liverpool Camp, from Mrs Barbara Burton, 17 November 1915
[4] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW, Statutory Declaration, William Arthur Burton, 23 November 1915.
1915 Coo-ee March 