Beautiful early Edwardian full dress dolman tunic of Captain Gerard William Burton, DSO, of the 39th Garhwal Rifles, killed on 12th October 1915 near Givenchy. He is buried on Gorre Chateau Cemetery
In black broadcloth, fastened with five braided olives and black goatskin frogging.
Collar and cuffs in dark blue, almost black, velvet. Epaulettes in black braid, each with three blackened brass pips bearing the rank of Captain.
With its aiguillettes. Black crepe mourning armband on the left sleeve. Lined in black silk fabric, unstitched at the back.
Tailor's label on the collar bearing the name of Lt. G.W. Burton, and dated 27th January 1902.
He was promoted to Captain, and Burton served in the 2nd Battalion of the 39th Garhwal Rifles.
He was mentioned in Despatches by the then Sir John French and awarded the Distinguished Service Order in June 1915 for gallantry at Neuve Chapelle.
He was then killed in the trenches at Givenchy in France on 12th October 1915. The War Diary confirms that he was killed by German shelling on that day, saying "A little shelling this morning which unfortunately took effect, killing Captain G.W. Burton DSO, one of my best officers".
The jacket is in In beautiful condition.
Chest Size is approx 34-35 inches.
Measurement across the shoulder is 17 inches.
Armpit to armpit measurement is 17 inches. Armpit to cuff is 18.5 inches.
Supplied with some research materials including his entry in De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour and the details of his death from the War Diary.
Gerard William Burton
He was born on 23rd August 1879 at Marree, India and was the son of Colonel General Septimus Burton.
He attended Weymouth College and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant on 3rd August 1898 into the 1st Bn Norfolk Regiment.
He was promoted to lieutenant 23rd October 1899.
He transferred to the Indian army on 22nd August 1900, serving first in the 1st Madras Infantry before transferring to the 39th Garhwal Rifles. He spent 4 years as an Adjutant before becoming Captain on 3rd August 1907.
He left India with his regiment for active service in France on 22nd September 1914.
He was Promoted to Major (gazetted 6th April 1915) with effect from 1st September 1915
