This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ROBBURN2 Surnames: Burn Boulby Lawson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.burn/61.1.2.2.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The man who lost 3 fingers was my great grandfather, William Burn. He lost his fingers in the battle at Killa Kazi in Afghanistan in 1879 when he was in the 9th Lancers. I have several mementoes including his paybook in which he signs for his pay every month until his fingers were lost after which he signs with an X. I also have a bible given to him by Rev Adams and signed by Adams who won the VC during the fighting. After losing his fingers William returned to Whitby and became the Relieving Officer, living in Phoenix House (now a carpark!), eventually dying in 1941. He was part of a family having many connections with Whitby, including being the family after which Burn's Yard is named. William's sister Margaret Hesp Burn married Adam Boulby and they had four children including the Doris Burn you mention. Doris married Phillip Lawson and so William is your great uncle. I'd be interested in exchanging info about the Boulbys - who also have other connections with the Burn family. Rob Burn Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.