Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Benjamin Burton a needle maker, born 1861 in Shepshed, Leics., and his wife Alice, born 1858 in Shepshed, Leics. Ernest was born in 1882 in Shepshed, Leics., his siblings were, Henry, born 1885, Johanna, born 1887, Albert, born 1888 and John Arthur, born 1890, all his siblings were born in Shepshed, Leics., in April 1891 the family home was at Brook Street, Shepshed, Leics. In March 1901 Ernest was employed as a hosiery trade worker and was residing in the family home at Brook Street, Shepshed, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Harry, Johanna, Albert, John, Clara, born 1894, Lucy, born 1896 and Alice, born 1898, the latter three siblings were all born in Shepshed, Leics. In April 1911 Ernest was employed as a Hosiery trade worker and was residing in the family home at Brook Street, Shepshed, Leics., together with his father, now a builder’s labourer, his mother and siblings, Albert, John, Clara, Lucy, Alice and Sarah Lizzie, born 1902 in Shepshed, Leics. The War Diary for today records. LE VERGIER. 1.18am. Relief completed. Casualty one man killed during the morning. Front line of posts occupied L.30C.80., G.25D.34., L.30C.106., L.30A.54., L.24C.51., L.24C.88., L.24A.20. Connected with the 2nd/5th Battn LINCOLNSHIRE REGT at G.31B.54. and the 2nd/5th Battn SHERWOOD FORESTERS at L.18C.37. 9.30pm. Took over the 2nd/5th Battn SHERWOOD FORESTERS line as far as L.17D.71., two platoons of A Coy taking over the additional line. Two platoons of A Coy withdrawn from B and C Coy’s.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday May 11th, 1917

Information was received on Saturday morning that 2927 Private Ernest Burton, Leicestershire Regiment, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Benjamin Burton, Brook Street, Shepshed, was killed in action in France, on April 29th. Deceased was one of three brothers serving with the Colours, and volunteered over two years ago. He was stationed in Ireland for some months, and went out to France early in the present year. Private Burton was well-known and highly esteemed, and the deepest sympathy is felt with his relatives and friends. He was 35 years of age and unmarried.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 19/10/2017