The Abraham Lincoln Brigade ArchivesPromoting Social Activism and the Defense of Human Rights

Donate

Burkett, Roe Handy

Biography

k-Burkett, Roe Handy (Ernest); b. June 8, 1898, Comanche, Stevens County, Oklahoma; Father John R. Burkett (1864-1927), mother Viola Maynard (1870-1916); Prior military service with the US Navy, enlisted during WWI, included 3 years in China; Single; Oil Field Worker, Driller, and Construction Worker; Worked as a seaman in the early 1920s; CP 1936; Received Passport# 409913 on May 11, 1937 which listed his address as 1305 East 14th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Sailed May 20, 1937 aboard the Berengaria; Arrived in Spain on June 2, 1937; Served with the XV BDE, Lincoln-Washington BN; Rank Soldado; Killed in action March 10, 1938, Belchite; Also reported as September 15, 1937, Belchite.

Siblings: brother Guy Burkett (1891-1969), sister Nannie Lee Burkett (1903-1999). Source: Scope of Soviet Activity; Cadre; BN 58 Retreats; L-W Tree, Ancestry.

Photographs: Roe Handy Burkett. Passport Photograph 1937, and Seaman’s Protection Certificate application 1923.

Date of Birth (Year) 1898

Birth City Comanche

State Oklahoma

Prior Military Service US Navy

Sail Date Sailed May 20, 1937

Ship Berengaria

Vocation 1 Oil Worker

Vocation 2 Construction Worker

Vocation 3 Seaman

Party Affiliation CP

Date of Affiliation At Least 1936

Killed in Action KIA March 10, 1938

Killed in Action / Missing in Action / Other Location Belchite