The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea has acquired the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) awarded to George William Burnett, who aged 16 is one of the youngest recipients of such a prestigious medal, and the first of three Royal Marine Buglers to ever win this award. Burnett’s medal acquisition comes in perfect time for Military Music fans who can see the Royal Marines Band perform this weekend in the grounds of the Museum for their free Outdoor Concert starting at 2pm on 17th July.
Burnett was awarded his CGM following his deployment in 1873/74 with the Royal Marines in Ashanti (now known as Ghana). When they came under enemy fire, Burnett displayed extreme bravery by showing himself to the enemy thereby diverting attention and sparing the Royal Marines from being fired upon.
His Citation stating that Burnett: ‘Was Bugler of the 1st Company during the attack on Essaman and other hostile villages. Was in front from first to last. Showed coolness and courage in going from under cover and showing himself in the open to prevent our being fired on by the Housas” The Investiture was in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle, an event that Queen Victoria recorded in her diary. Burnett at this time was still only seventeen years old. Burnett went on to lead a distinguished career in the Royal Marines and died at sea on the 27th October 1890, aged thirty 34.
Chris Newbery, Museum Director said ‘With our hugely popular outdoor band concert on Sunday, the acquisition of Burnett’s medal is very timely. His story is a reminder of the great traditions of the Royal Marines Band Service and the courage that they have displayed in action’.
Burnett’s medal is now on display in the medal room at the Royal Marines Museum alongside his Ashanti Medal which was purchased by the Museum in 2010. Burnett was the first of three Royal Marine Buglers to win this medal, the others being Bugler McDaniel (in action at Tel-El-Kebir in 1882), whose medal is also in the Museum, and Bugler Sillence (in action at Gallipoli in 1915).
The concert on Sunday 17th July features the Royal Marines Portsmouth Band and is supported by classical violinist Victoria Yellop who is back to perform for a second year by popular demand. This is a free event and no tickets are required. Entry to the museum is normal admission price.
Notes to Editors: The Royal Marines Museum is at the heart of Royal Marines heritage. Situated in Southsea, Portsmouth the Museum explores the fascinating history of the Royal Marines from their start in 1664 as Sea Soldiers through to current day operations around the world. The Museum tells the stories of the Royal Marines past and present with a vast collection of objects, paintings and archive documents. The collection contains over a million photographs, a million documents and 30,000 objects, which all help us to preserve the history of the Marines. Find out more www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk Registered Charity Number 1142186
Press contact: Clare Chapman - 023 9281 9385 - clare.chapman@royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk
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