Everton, B (Bird)
Everton, B (Bird)
Lieutenant Bird Everton was the son of the late William Bird Everton; husband of Ethel Beatrice May Everton, of 37, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. Born at Newport, Isle of Wight. He served with the 2nd Dorsetshire Regiment.
Bird had served in Palestine from May 1916. His regiment was captured the following month during the fall of Kut.[1] A unit was then formed from the survivors of the 2nd Dorset’s and 2nd Norfolk’s until July when the 2nd Dorsetshire Regiment was reformed. They then went on to serve in Iraq and Egypt. He finally returned home during June 1919. At the end of the month, he married Ethal Dore.
Unfortunately, six months later Lieutenant Bird was posted to Londonderry to help with disturbances in the city. He was assisting with the towing of two vehicles when he got caught between them and was unfortunately crushed. He died within 30 minutes.
The incident was a tragic accident, and no one was held to blame.
He was buried with full military honours in the presence of his wife, mother, and brother. Due to local problems in the city, the army had to line the procession route to protect it from attack.
Previously Lieutenant Bird was mentioned in Dispatches. He was also awarded the Victory Medal (with emblem) and British War Medal. These were forwarded to his widow.
Date of Death: 19/04/1920 (Aged 30)
Service: Lieutenant, Dorsetshire Regiment, “B” Coy. 2nd Battalion.
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, SB. 613.
[1] The Siege/First battle of Kut took place between the 7th of December 1915 and the 29th of April 1916. 13,000 allied troops surrendered and between 50 and 70% would die from disease or mistreatment at the hands of Ottoman troops.
