Charles Robert Burton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1942-12-13)13 December 1942 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Died | 15 July 2002(2002-07-15) (aged 59) |
| Alma mater | Millfield |
| Occupation(s) | British Army soldier, explorer |
| Spouse | |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1961–1967 |
| Unit | Royal Sussex Regiment,Special Air Service |
Charles Robert Burton (13 December 1942 – 15 July 2002) known asCharlie Burton was an English explorer, best known for his part in theTransglobe Expedition, the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe from pole to pole.[1][2] Serving as cook, radio operator, and mechanic, he was the only member of the team to accompany the expedition's leader,Ranulph Fiennes, on the entire route.[3][4]
Burton was born inCape Town,South Africa. He attendedMillfield school inSomerset, where he excelled more in sports than academics.[5] From 1961 to 1967, he was a soldier in theBritish Army, serving with the eliteSpecial Air Service and traveling to the Middle East, Northern Ireland, Malta, and Germany. After his military career, Burton held odd jobs, mainly with various private security firms.[6]
While bartending at The Admiral Codrington pub in Chelsea in 1975, he met Fiennes, with whom he spent some four years organizing and raising money for the Transglobe Expedition. After the expedition, which lasted from 1979 to 1982, Burton returned to the security business. Ten years later, he helped Fiennes organize another expedition, but declined to participate.[5][7]
Burton married Thelma "Twink" Petts in April 1981 in Sydney, Australia, while on the Transglobe Expedition.[8] He died of a heart attack on 15 July 2002 at his family home in the village ofFramfield inSussex.[6]
Charles Burton, a British explorer who took part in the first expedition to circumnavigate the world from pole to pole, has died.
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