The Great War Medal Collection of Robin H.J. Darvell

Pair: Private E. N. McBurnie, 7th Battalion Rifle Brigade, killed in action at the Battle of Hooge, 30 July 1915

British War and Victory Medals (B-1998 Pte., Rif. Brig.) nearly extremely fine (2) £60-80

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Great War Medal Collection of Robin H.J. Darvell.

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Ernest Norman McBurnie was born in Clapham, Surrey, lived at Clapham Junction, and enlisted at Battersea. Serving in the 7th Battalion Rifle Brigade, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 19 May 1915. He was killed in action at the Battle of Hooge on 30 July 1915. Having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. He was the son of Mrs S. McBurnie, of 25 Allwell Road, Clapham Junction. Entitled to the 1914-15 Star. With copied m.i.c. and casualty details.

In the battle, the Germans infamously attacked a portion of the British line held by the 8th Battalion Rifle Brigade with ‘liquid fire’. In this and the doomed counter-attack by the 7th, 8th and 9th Battalions of the Rifle Brigade later in the day, cost the Brigade over 800 men killed, wounded and missing.