Soldier. Born William Francis Burman. As a sergeant in the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) he fought in the battle of the Menin Road Ridge. near Ypres in Belgium. His company was held up by a machine-gun at point-blank range. Risking his life he rushed forward, killed the gunner and carried the gun back to his troops. Fifteen minutes later, about 40 of the enemy attacked from the right. Burman and two others got behind them, killing six and capturing 31 others. For his actions he was awarded the Victoria Cross medal.
From the Rifles Network: "After the war Burman became a chauffeur for the managing director of the Daily Mirror newspaper, holding the job for thirty years, then started his own car-rental business. He retired in 1964 and in 1971 moved into a Royal British Legion Home in Cromer, Norfolk, where he passed away at the age of 77 in Oct 1974. His medals are on display at the Imperial War Museum, London. Burman VC with Rolls Royce YR 8642."
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
