BURR, Alfred MM

Alfred Burr was born in Hastings, Sussex, and was one of the sons of the Revd. George Alfred and Caroline Burr of Highfields Park, Halesowen. The family had owned the Hayseech Gun Barrel works for many years. He attended The King's School, Worcester, and enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. While serving with this regiment he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He was transferred to the Royal Engineers and to the 1st Special Company, one of the units which dealt with the use of gas on the battle-field. In 1918 he was stationed in the area which faced the first German offensive of Spring 1918. Three days after the start of this huge attack after being forced back over the old Somme battle-field he was killed in action on the 24th March. Corporal Alfred Burr was 27 years of age and is commemorated on the Pozičres, Halesowen, King's School, Worcester, Memorials and the Worcester Cathedral King's School cloister window Memorial. His older brother, Frederick, was killed in 1915.