6th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 4 February 1918.

Burnett was a native of Colne, Lancashire.

The Colne and Nelson Times of 6 March 1917 reported, Colne Soldiers Wounded. Mr. William Burnett of 39, New Market Street, Colne, has received an intimation that his son, Private Tom Burnett, was wounded at the front on February 25th last. Private Burnett, who is unmarried, resided with his parents at the above address prior to enlisting, in September, 1914. He went to Egypt, and afterwards to the Dardanelles. After the evacuation of the Peninsular he was again drafted to Egypt, and from there to Mesopotamia, where he was wounded. Prior to joining the Forces, Private Burnett was employed as a weaver by Messrs. Shaw, Stanley Mills, Colne. Private Burnett has three brothers serving:- L/Cpl Alfred Burnett, who lost a leg last July, and is now in hospital; Corporal Willie Burnett, who is serving with the R.F.A., in France; and Private Hervin Burnett, who is training with the R.A.M.C.

The Colne and Nelson Times of 10 August 1917 reported, Military Medal for Colne Soldier, Mr. and Mrs. W. Burnett, of 30, New Market Street, Colne, have been informed by their son, L/Cpl Tom Burnett, that he has been awarded and received the Military Medal whilst serving in Mesopotamia. In a letter to his parents informing them of the receipt of the honour L/Cpl Burnett says:- "Just a few lines in answer to your welcome letter, and hoping that it finds you all in the best of health, as it leaves me at present. Glad to say I have got better from my wound and am now back with the Battalion, and I feel alright now. I am pleased to say I received the Military Medal today." The report then goes on to repeat that of 6 March 1917 (shown above).