Biography of William George Burrell

William George Burrell graduated MD from the University of Glasgow in 1813, before serving at the Battle of Waterloo.

Burrell first joined the Army as a Medical Cadet in May 1808; he served in this position in the Walcheren Campaign (1809). In July 1809 he was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the 63rd Foot and later that same year transferred to the 79th Foot.

He first appears in University of Glasgow student records in 1811, enrolled onto classes in Botany and Medicine. Following his MD graduation in 1813, Burrell served in the Peninsular Wars and was present at the battles of Nivelle (1813), Nive (1813) and Toulouse (1814). In June 1815 he served at the Battle of Waterloo.

In 1816 Burrell was positioned as Surgeon with the 5th Foot and later the 65th Foot, with whom he served in the Pindari War (1817-19) in India. At the key battles of Kirkee and Poona his battalion took a leading role. Burrell died on passage home from India on 19th May 1820.

Summary

William George Burrell
Died 19 May 1820.
University Link: GU Degree: MD, 1813;
Occupation categories: Royal Army Medical Corps
Record last updated: 16th Jun 2015

Images

William George Burrell, signature in Register of Doctors of Medicine, 1813