Harold Burnet
Harold Burnet (c1897-1942)
1943 Obituary [1]
HAROLD BURNET, whose death occurred on 22nd April 1942, in his forty-fifth year, was associated with gas engineering during the whole of his professional career. The war of 1914-18, however, prevented him from making a start in that industry until 1919. During the war he obtained a commission in the R.F.A. (T.) and while serving with the B.E.F. he was wounded. On demobilisation he studied from 1919 until 1922 at Manchester University, where he graduated.
After a brief period as draughtsman in the office of Messrs. Barker and Hoyland, architects, of Manchester, he entered the drawing office of Messrs. Drakes, Ltd., gas engineers, Halifax, in 1924. He became leading draughtsman in 1929 and subsequently acted as resident engineer. In 1931 he was appointed shift engineer and technical assistant to the Preston Gas Company, with responsibility for the manufacture and supply of gas and the maintenance of the plant. Mr. Burnet's final appointment was that of chief engineering assistant to the Blackpool Corporation Gas Department. On the inception of the Local Defence Volunteers in the spring of 1940, Mr. Burnet was among the first to offer his services, and devoted much time and energy to his duties with them, first as a platoon commander, and—from February 1941—as a captain.
He was elected a Graduate of the Institution in 1921 and was transferred to Associate Membership in 1933.