Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the youngest son of William Burton a general labourer, born 1856 in Grimston, Leics., and his wife Mary Elizabeth, born 1855 in Peterborough, Northants. Wilfred Frank was born in 1895 in Langham, Rutland, his siblings were, Arthur Edgar, born 1886 and Mary E., born 1898, both his siblings were born in Langham, Rutland, in March 1901 the family home was at Ashwell Road, Langham Place, Langham, Rutland. In April 1911 Wilfred was employed as a blacksmith’s striker and was residing in the family home at Langham Place, Langham, Rutland, together with his father, now a farm labourer, his mother and sister, Caroline Maud, born 1880 in Langham, Rutland and his nephew Arthur Edgar, born 1904 in Oakham, Rutland. Prior to his enlistment he was an engineer in the employ of Messrs. Chambers Bros. , Cycle Makers of Oakham, Rutland. Answering the call on the outbreak of war, he was promptly sent to France due to his status as a skilled workman. His rise through the ranks was rapid, but unfortunately during the first Battle of Ypres he was struck in the head by a small fragment of shell and did not regain consciousness, and died before reaching the Central Casualty Clearing Station. His Commanding Officer wrote:- “I regard Burton as a friend, and his sound judgement and wonderful coolness under the most trying circumstances made him invaluable as a N.C.O.” On Friday December 28th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – ASHWELL. – SERGEANT’S DEATH. – The death in action of Sergeant W. L. Burton, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Burton, Oakham Road, Ashwell, is reported. A member of the Leicester Volunteers, he answered the call directly after the outbreak of war, being transferred to the R.E. on account of his skill in engineering. His promotion to Sergeant was very rapid, and he had won distinction for conspicuous bravery in the field.