Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Burton Clissold Warry Emmott was born in 1898 in Maryborough, Queensland, the eldest born son of Frederick and Alice Emmott and grandson of the former Brisbane Mayor, Mr Richard Warry.  His occupation prior to enlisting was as a clerk and he was living at Lamont Street, Wilston, Brisbane.           

In a letter to the recruiting officer at Victoria Barracks, Brisbane, dated 27th July 1915, his parents write:                      

“Dear Sir,

Our son is anxious to do his duty to our Sovereign by joining the Expeditionary Forces. We therefore give our consent if you can or will accept him for the Army Medical Corps.

Yours faithfully,

Frederick and Alice Emmott.”

Armed with this letter Burton enlisted at Brisbane on 23rd July 1915, aged 18 years and 6 months.  His service number was 1710 and he was posted to the 1st Division, 3rd Field Ambulance, 10th Reinforcements as a driver.  His service records describes him as being 5ft 7½ inches tall with black hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion.  He embarked from Brisbane on the 5th October 1915 on the ship “Wandilla”.

Burton arrived in Mudros Harbour and was subsequently transported to Anzac Cove, arriving there on the 7th December.  He was evacuated from Anzac Cove 11 days later on the 18th December, disembarking at Alexandria, Egypt, on Christmas Day.  From there he went to the camp at Maadi then in mid January 1916 moved to the camp at Tel-el-kebir. 

On the 28th March 1916 Burton embarked from Alexandria, Egypt and arrived at Marseilles, France, on the 2rd April 1916.  Three weeks later he was admitted to the 5th Divisional Rest Station with a septic abscess on his right foot.  He was discharged four days later.  He returned to his duties with the 3rd Field Ambulance serving in France taking leave to England in July 1917.  Upon his return he continued serving with the 3rd Field Ambulance in France.  In January 1918 he took ten days leave to Paris.  Four days after he returned he was admitted to the 3rd Field Ambulance under observation.  His service records don’t state what the nature of his condition was however and he was discharged eight days later.  In August that year he took two weeks leave to England.

In January 1919 he was promoted to Lance/Corporal then in March proceeded to England for return to Australia.  He embarked from England on 11th May 1919 on the ship “Borda”.  Seven weeks later he disembarked in Melbourne, Australia, on the 27th June.  He was discharged from the army on the 11th August 1919. 

His parents had moved to Sandgate in June 1919 so he joined them there becoming involved in the Sandgate Baptist Church.  Sadly, just sixteen months later, Burton passed away suddenly in the Rosemount Military Hospital on the 29th January 1921 aged 23.  He was buried two days later at the Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane. 

Several newspaper articles attest to how much he had endeared himself to the congregation of the Sandgate Baptist Church, especially the young people.  In his time there he was vice-president of the Christian Endeavour for the young people and superintendent of the Junior Christian Endeavour.  A memorial service was held in this church on the 20th February 1921 with seating set aside especially for the younger members of the congregation and returned soldiers. 

An extract from an article in the Brisbane Telegraph on 19th February 1921, under the heading of “Sandgate Baptists” and regarding his memorial service, states:

“His personality soon won for him the love and esteem of all his associates……Tomorrow’s service is the young people’s effort to honour one whom they held so high in their esteem.”         

Burton Emmott was awarded:

1914/1915 Star 5845

British War Medal 6303

Victory Medal 6227

The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted in 1967 by Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt.  It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916.  Next of kin, or other entitled persons, are entitled to receive the medallion on behalf of their relatives if the medallion has not been issued.

The medallion is cast in bronze and is approximately 75 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide.  The obverse of the medallion depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety.  It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC.  The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross.  The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves.  The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse.  The medallion is issued in a presentation box.

(Australian Government - Department of Defence)

Sue Smith August 2016