Pte Sidney Alfred Burgess, 3/7212, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, was killed in action on the Somme on October 12th, 1916. He was aged 22.

In a letter to Mrs Burgess at 23 Buxton Road, Luton, Cpl C. Smith wrote that he was fighting near to Sidney, who had suffered no pain as his death was instantaneous. He died from a bullet that hit him near the heart.

Born at Woodside, Sidney was the third eldest son among ten children born to Alfred and Emily Burgess. Prior to enlistment he worked for hat manufacturers Messrs J. C. Kershaw. He joined up at the outbreak of hostilities and had been to the Front three times, having been wounded once, had brain fever and suffered problems with his legs and feet, besides having had three operations to his head.

At the time of the 1911 Census Sidney and most of his family were living at 7 Adelaide Street, Luton. Sidney was then a 17-year-old errand boy.