1/5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 16 July 1918.

Burnett was a native of Burnley, Lancashire.

From the Burnley News of 12 October 1918, Gallant Corporal. Burnley Policeman's Son Wins Military Medal. P.C. Burnett, of the Burnley Police Force, has received an intimation that his son, Corporal Walter Burnett, of the East Lancashire Regiment, has been awarded the Military Medal, "For gallantry near Gommecourt, on 25 March 1918. When his section commander was killed, he took charge of the Lewis gun section, and acted with great promptitude in filling all gaps caused by unexpected withdrawal of troops on the right of his company. His courage and initiative under the most trying conditions were worthy of the highest praise." In a letter to his parents, Corporal Burnett mentions that he has received the ribbon for the Military Medal. The Corporal has a fine record in the present war. He was in training with the Territorials in Wales when hostilities commenced, and soon afterwards he was drafted to Egypt. He came through the Dardenelles campaign unscathed, and has so far had the same good fortune since going to France. Twenty-two years of age, Corporal Burnett was formerly a weaver at Messrs. John Thormber's, Healywood Mill. He attended Healywood Day and Sunday Schools, and was a member of the school football team. Discharged on the 13 March 1919.