RAF & RNR possible missing off CWGC

Seek further info on the following

William Lawson Burgess (Rank Unknown)
Headstone reads ; Late RAF beloved son of Wilfred and Charlotte Burgess, Dewisland Street died 10 Nov 1940 aged 27 yrs.
My research shows ; Originally volunteered for the R.N., and then the R.A.F. served 3 1/4 years qualifying as a ‘flight mechanic. Born in late 1913, he was the son of Wilfred William & Charlotte Burgess nee’ Thirtle who had mrd previous in 1907. He contracted pleurisy (or pluriay) and had been discharged in February of 1940.

Skipper Harry Sizer R.N.R.
My research shows ; Taken ill in July of 1940, serving with the R.N.R. since the outbreak of war with spells at Chatham and Plymouth. Aged 39 yrs he died in early 1941 at Milford Haven. It is currently unclear if he had been discharged previous as unfit.

Should they not still be listed CWGC?
Rgds
Owen Ap Benfro

 

I think it depends if their death can be attributed to their service, but I am sure somebody a lot more qualified than me will be able to assist there.

Regards

Andy

 

If discharged the death has to be attributable to military service; if you would like to share your evidence I may be able to help

Chris

 

Can anyone add anything for Harry Sizer? Assuming I have the right man, the 1939 Register says he was born 12 Sept 1901 with occupation as "skipper steam trawler (unemployed)".

Was he definitely RNR? A search request with the MOD has not turned up anything.

 

I would think that William Lawson Burgess would have been commemorated by the CWGC and would have had the appropriate grave tombstone had he died in RAF service.

Since he was discharged on health grounds and died as a civilian, he would not qualify for CWGC recognition unless his ill health discharge was attributed to his service.

A different situation with John Hannah who was awarded a VC on 16 September 1940.He had contracted TB, a contagious disease and was discharged on ill health grounds with a full disability pension on 10 December 1942. He died as a civilian from TB on 9 June 1947.

Post #3, Chris Hartley who was involved in the "In from the Cold" project did sterling research in achieving CWGC recognition of the those who had for some reason, or another not been honoured, sadly died a few years ago. If you search the forum for his legacy in this area, it is in abundance.

 

I've now received a service record for William Lawson Burgess, unfortunately the details don't quite tally with what Owen posted above.

William was born at Milford, Pembrokeshire, on 05/12/1913. He enlisted in the RAF on 14/01/1936, and then seems to have been in and out of hospital until he was discharged as "physically unfit for Air Force service" on 11/04/1939, having served for 3 years and 88 days. It doesn't say what health problems he had, but since this was all pre-war it's a moot point.

The 1939 Register gives his occupation as "marine fitter", and his cause of death was tuberculosis.



Still looking for further info on Harry Sizer if anyone can help.

 

Morning,

Here is his death certificate

Regards,

Graeme

 

Thanks graeme, much appreciated! That suggests he was Merchant Navy rather than Royal Navy, in which case he wouldn't qualify.