William Burgess (1884-1958) came to NZ aged 16 years circa 1900. He was part of a group of London lads who had decided to emigrate, but Bill was the only one who actually came out. In New Zealand he worked building railways, North and South Islands [probably Main Trunk Line]. He enlisted with the NZ Rifle Brigade in 1917, aged 32 years, and embarked with the 33rd Reinforcements on 31 December 1917.

Bill Burgess was badly wounded with shrapnel from a Minenwerfer during the advance after the German breakout in March 1918 [near Bapaume]. The “Minnie” came over and Bill said to his mate “that was a close one”, then looked round and his mate had lost his head, while Bill got hit across his shoulder and chest. He was sent to London for convalesce – near Greenwich. This was where he met his wife, Mabel, and settled back in England.

Information from donors