Trafford

Born during the June quarter 1898 in the Altrincham R.D. - ref: 8a/158, the
son of John & Elizabeth Burgess (nee Simpson).

1901 Census - Paddock Hill, Mobberley.   Son - aged: 3 - born: Mobberley.  
Head of household - John Burgess - Married - aged: 43 - occ: Bricklayer's
Labourer -  born: Mobberley.  Also - Elizabeth Burgess - Wife - aged: 42 -
born: Warford, Cheshire.   Plus 6 elder siblings.

1911 Census - No Trace.

WO 363 - Residing at New Street, Fulshaw, Wilmslow, he enlisted into the
Cheshire Rgt at Knutsford on the 17th August 1915.   He was aged: 19 years,
5 months and employed as a  Farm Labourer.  He was actually only 17 years
when he enlisted, attaining the age of 19 on the 23rd March 1917.   The
Army obviously tumbled this and there is a note on his file stating that he
should be retained until he attains the age of 19 on the 23rd March 1917. 
He was 5 feet 7 inches in height with a chest expansion of 31 inches up to
33 1/2 inches.

Posted to the Egyption Expeditionery Force on the 19th April 1917.   

Drowned on the M.V. "Transylvania".

The "Transylvania" was built in 1914 and had a gross tonnage of 14,315
tons.    She was on voyage from Marseilles to Alexandria, carrying troops
and a cargo of Government stores when she was torpedoed and sunk in the
Mediterranean by U-63, 2½ miles south from Cape Vado in the Gulf of Genoa,
in position 44.15N 08.30E.   12 men were lost including the Master.

Commemorated on the private family gravestone in SS. Wilfred & Mary's
Church Yard at Mobberley.

His father John, died 19/12/1937 aged 81 years and his mother Elizabeth
died 24/05/1937 aged 79 years.

CWGC - Son of John Burgess of 11 New Street, Wilmslow.

Commemorated in The Mobberley Parish Council's Booklet - "1914-2014,
Remembering the Men from Mobberley who went to War for their Country" - per
Alistair MacLeod.