Private Eric Gordon Culpan
203639 2/4th East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 6th November 1918, aged 20
Lived at 171 Woodgrove Road
Buried in Mauberge Centre Cemetery, France - D.4.
Commemorated on St. Catherines Memorial, Burnley
Commemorated on the Burnley Grammar School Memorial
Burnley Express 24th October 1917 - 8th January 1919 - 8th February 1919

KILLED DURING ARMISTICE WEEK
After Four Years service
News has been received that Pte Eric Gordon Culpan,203639 of the 1/5th East Lancashire Regt B Company was killed in action on November the 6th 1918 in France, after serving nearly four years. He showed his patriotism by joining the colours in the first few months of the war, when he had only just reached his 17th birthday. At first he joined the A.S.C, but asked to be transferred to the Infantry, as he thought he could serve his country better thereby.
Before joining the Army he was a clerk in the education Office, Burnley, and he was on the roll of honour at four places, viz, Burnley Corporation, Heasandford Council School, Burnley Grammar School and St Catherine’s Church. At the last named Church he was also a Choir boy, an Altar server and a member of the Boy Scouts. The Parents of the deceased Soldier have received several letters giving particulars of his death, etc.
Amongst them was one from Pte H Nuttall on behalf of his Q.M.S. who wrote that Pte Culpan was caught by Machine Gun fire and died instantly. He was buried decently near a village called La Haute Rue, and his grave will be well cared for. Sgt G.Haffner of Burnley wrote expressing his sympathy and stating that the deceased was respected by all who knew him both for his Gentlemanly character and his fine manly appearance, and his loss was greatly regretted by all. Captain Kay, of the East Lancashire Regt has paid a visit to the family to express his condolence, and he said that Pte Culpan was killed instantly along with his Sergeant Major, while the Officer Commanding was wounded. It was a tragic blow to be killed during Armistice week, after having gone all through the war, and after coming safely through many severe battles. The deceased was the son of Mr J Culpan, Woodgrove - Road Burnley.