BURCHELL, William Ernest

William Ernest Burchell was the son of Edward and Mary Burchell of Dudley Road Post Office at Netherton and attended Dudley Grammar School. He enlisted in the Worcester Territorials and went to the 2/8th Battalion in the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division. The battalion went to Artois and in1916 was suffered a seriously setback in its attack at Fromelles. In March 1917 it helped to push back the enemy to the Hindenburg Line and then fought gallantly in the Third Battle of Ypres. In August actions on the Steenbeck attempts were made to take the fortified farms which were a great obstacle. The Worcesters attacked Aisne Farm on the 26-27th August but the defences were too strong. Among the casualties was Private William Ernest Burchell. He was 21 years of age and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot, Dudley and Dudley Grammar School Memorials.